GOD HAS GOOD PLANS FOR ME

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT

PROMISE KEYWORD

plan (noun): an orderly arrangement of parts of an overall objective; goal, purpose

Recently we watched our niece walk across the stage, receive a diploma, move her tassel, and celebrate with friends and family. The emotion and significance of the ceremony of graduation brought tears to my eyes.

This month, a dear friend of mine will retire from her life-long career as an educator. More tears. For both of these people I love, the years of predictable bell schedules, learning objectives, the school calendar and activities have come to an abrupt end.

It can be scary, this huge step into life after school. “What are you going to do next?” is the question asked by most. Even if the answer is college, work, military service, volunteering, or travel, there is so much unknown.

Whether change is expected or not, it can make us feel so uneasy and out of control. We pray for direction and clarity, but sometimes we don’t get it right away. We know that God is faithful to hear us, but we get anxious when we can’t hear him.

This school or that one?

Yes or no?

Make the move or stay put?

Continue the relationship or not?

God, what is the next step here?

The people of Israel were probably wondering this same thing when they were captives in Babylon.

They were unsettled. They were in an unfamiliar, uncomfortable place. They were getting advice from people with self-serving interests. And they were probably pretty discouraged– wondering what God’s plan could possibly be.

But in the middle of this confusing and difficult time, God told the Israelites to settle into that place. He told them to build houses, start families, plant gardens. He told them to work and pray for the peace and prosperity of the place they were in. Why? Because it was all part of his plan. He was going to rescue and restore them in his perfect timing. He had not forgotten them–not for a moment. Even though they didn’t understand, he reassured them that he would bring good.

Can we settle into this truth today? Can we trust that he has a really good plan for us, even if we don’t know what it is yet?

Dear Jesus, please help me to live well as I wait for your direction. Help me to find security in you–not in my emotions, my timeline, or my goals. I don’t see the whole picture, but you do. Thank you for your presence and your peace. Amen.

TAKE YOUR TICKET:

GOD HAS GOOD PLANS FOR ME

Through our waiting, our changes, and our questions, we can count on God’s good plan for our lives. We can trust that he has his eye on us and his thoughts are toward us. Let’s keep listening for his voice over all the others. In his timing, his perfect purpose will become clear.