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 NIV
Often we share this verse as an encouragement to people, that God has a great and bright future for them. It’s a favorite for graduations and other big transitions in our lives. And although this verse has an encouragement, it’s just a little different than how we typically use it.
The people hearing these words from God have seen their homeland invaded, and they have been taken as slaves by their invaders. Their lives are a lot like what a number of people experienced across the United States during the recession. They are in a bad place, struggling for survival, and have no signs that the light at the end of the tunnel is coming anytime soon. But then, a “prophet” comes to share a “message from God.” They bring news that God is going to free them and make life all better, back to normal if not better than before in less than 2 years!! But this person is speaking not a message from God, but is saying what people want to hear. But God goes to Jeremiah and sends a message that their situation is going to get better not in 2 year, but in 70 years. God speaks this verse to those depressed and hurt people, to remind them that even in their darkest hour, God has not left them, and although life is not always perfect, God sees them through it all.
For the underemployed or unemployed, wondering when life will ever get back to “normal,” or when you first thought each day will be something other than finances. God says, I know the plans I have for you…
For the depressed, those deep in addiction, struggles, and emotional strife, struggling to get out of bed each morning. God says, I know the plans I have for you…
For those who have been through a crisis, and are wondering how to start picking up the pieces. God says, I know the plans I have for you…
For anyone whose life is just not what you had planned, and are wondering where God is at in the midst of imperfect circumstances. God says, 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.
Pastor Bill