“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)
As we leave a Catastrophic 2020 and enter into an unknown 2021, many people are living in fear of the unknown.
I know 2020 has been absolutely chaotic, many of us have faced insurmountable tragedies and it just feels like there is now way out.
From job losses, home losses and to losing loved ones, I mean if 2020 was like facing a whole decade in a day.
However, I would like to encourage us all that no matter what happens, there is hope.
No matter the trials, it is helpful to remember that God has a plan for all our lives and this verse is just such a great reminder.
I know for many Christians, it has become cliche to quote Jeremiah 29:11 and sometimes out of context.
This pattern or human tendency of out of context regurgitation has meant that we read the word with our own desired meaning
which is absolutely problematic especially when we don’t get our desired result.
However, today i would like to draw your attention to what happens when scripture is understood in context and how it can be relatable to our daily lives,
When we read Jeremiah 29:11 we find out that those words were spoken to people in the midst of hardship and suffering; people who were likely desiring an immediate rescue like the one Hananiah lied about.
But God’s response is not to provide immediate escape from the difficult situation. Rather, God promises that He has a plan to prosper them in the midst of their current situation.
I know many of us can relate to this. We are all looking for an immediate escape or rescue plan from our troubles, however big or small.
As children of the Kingdom facing difficult situations today, we can take comfort in Jeremiah 29:11 knowing that though a rescue from our suffering may not be imminent, God still has a plan for our lives.
I will leave you with this scripture: 1 Thessalonians 5:
16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.
God bless you
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