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
This verse out of Jeremiah 29 is incredibly pertinent. There have been so many heart wrenching things going on in the life of our church, as well as in my personal life—from losing dear friends to cancer to having past hurts/pains blindside me again. There are many times I’ve questioned, “Where are You, God? What are You doing? Why now?” At the same time, I’ve been reassured that through it all, God’s in control and He will work it all out for His glory (some of which I’m already seeing).
When we’re in the midst of trials and tribulations, it’s easy to lose hope. But God has promised that His plan is good…it’s not to harm us…His plan is to give us hope…to give us a future. That future may not be what I or you have envisioned but I know that what God has for me and what He has for you is always good! It always has been, so that is something I can trust in. Again, while I’m in the midst of the battle, it may appear bleak at times, and I may need to take time to lean on others for a while (that’s why I’m not on this earth alone!), or cry out to God with my questions and anger (He’s big enough to handle it and encourages us to bring it on!), or even retreat for a time (even warriors need to do so). I can still know that He’s going before me, and is already on the other side of all of this mess and heartache. He’s there waiting. Waiting to show me and share with me the joy and blessings He has in store. He desires the same for you. Trust that He has a plan for you as well and that plan is good!
By Deb Babb, LCSW – R
