“‘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 (NIV84)

This is my wife’s favorite verse, and for good reason. This verse provides the crystal clear reason why we hope in God over anything else. These words come from the Lord Himself. He is declaring to us that it is His intent to give us a reason for hope. And what is that reason? He has a plan for our lives. God has a plan to to give us a prosperous future. He promises that all things will work to our good. It is for this reason that we can confidently place our hope in Him. It doesn’t matter what our current situation might be. At this moment we may be living in the midst of trials and tribulations, but God sees beyond the present and knows, sees, and controls the future. Can it get any clearer than this? We have the God of the universe telling us that He promises our hope in Him is not in vain because the plans He has for our future are in His hands.

You’ve heard it said that “You’re in good hands with Allstate.” My friends, it doesn’t get any better than being in the Father’s hands. We can look back over thousands of years to see how God has dealt with His children. They did not all live, by earthly standards, the best life. But I guarantee you that they would not have had it any other way. Many lived through momentary times of suffering and pain. But as Peter says, “After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you into His eternal glory in Christ Jesus, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you” (1 Peter 5:10). I would like you to read Jeremiah 29:11 one more time. But this time, in your imagination, put the words in the mouth of Jesus. Hear Him say to you that He knows the plans He has for you. Hear Him say that His plans will not harm you but are for your good. Hear Him say to you that His plan is to give you a hopeful future.

Peace!

Pastor Tom

www.firmlyrooted.church