God’s statement,
“For I know the plans I have for you,…. plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future..”,
is spoken as encouragement to those whom He had sent into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon.
Surely hearts cried out in their captivity, “Evil is winning. This is not of God.”
But things are not always as they seem.
God instructed them,
“Seek the welfare (peace) of the city where I have sent you into exile, and pray to the Lord on its behalf; for in its welfare (peace) you will have welfare (peace)…..For thus says the Lord, ‘When seventy years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place. ‘For I know the plans that I have (am planning) for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope…..” Jer. 29:7,10,11
Seventy years!
“‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will restore your fortunes and will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you,’ declares the Lord, ‘and I will bring you back to the place from where I sent you into exile.'” Jeremiah 29:12-14
This is the BIG beautiful picture. And the eventual outcome will be what is ultimately best for the people: they will come back into relationship with their God.
“Plans formed long ago, with perfect faithfulness.” (Isaiah 25:1)
Does looking at Jeremiah 29:11 in its context make you rethink the purpose of some of the trials and tribulations that you see around you?
Ponder (and search out for yourself): What have we been clearly told in His Word is coming?
God is not surprised or discouraged.
He has a plan, a beautiful plan. For our good and His glory.
“Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
Thanks for stopping by. I would LOVE to hear from you and get your feedback!
Leave a comment below or email me at traci@tracishinnick.com.
If you would like to be notified about new posts as a reminder, simply subscribe here. And I will also send you a copy of my 6 Week Prayer Strategy with a week of devotionals. KEEP ME IN THE LOOP!
