“‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’” Jeremiah 29:11
Whenever Jeremiah 29:11 is quoted, a reassuring confidence rests on the one doing the quoting and those listening, and rightly so. It is incredible to know that the God of the universe knows me and has a plan for my life—not just any plan—a GOOD plan.
This passage was originally written to an audience living in exile whose desire for now would have been immediate deliverance. Instead the Lord said, “when seventy years are completed … I will bring you back.” (Jeremiah 29:10)
If we are going to apply the then promise then we must also accept the possibility that our now may continue for a while. Moreover, just like Jeremiah's original audience whom God instructed to build houses, plant gardens, grow their families and be a blessing in their city in the midst of exile, we also ought to act on the challenge to “increase ... [and] not decrease” (Jeremiah 29:6) in seasons of waiting.
Wait a minute! The Bible says that not only will we have to endure some hardships, but that we should grow through them?
Good question. The answer is ‘yes.’ How are we supposed to do that? The answer is found in Jeremiah 29:13: “you will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.”
Just as certainly as God promises a plan for our then, He promises His presence for our now.
Dear God, You know exactly what I am going through right now. Thank You for having a good plan for my future and until then, give me the courage to grow.
Further reading: God has bigger plans for you!
Take Action
Ask God for a strategy on how you can grow in the midst of whatever you are facing now. Begin to thank Him for the good plans He has for you then.
What lesson is God teaching you as you wait? Share a comment. Let’s challenge one another.