Today’s scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 (NRSV) (NIV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Melody Merida):
For many years now, my favorite Scripture has been Jeremiah 29:11. I was led to this passage by a friend when I was struggling with the direction my life was taking several years ago. When I read this verse it was like a light bulb was turned on inside my head. In thinking back, I realized that I had read that verse before, but it never spoke to me the way it did on this occasion, when I most needed to “get it.”
I read it over and over to be certain it would soak in. I remember my heart soaring at the idea that God had plans to prosper me and to give me hope and a future. Little ol’ me. The God of the universe has plans for ME! Then I thought, “Okay, if God has plans to prosper me, then why am I not prospering? Why do I not have the promised hope? Why does my future look bleak?”
It was only after much soul searching that I came to terms with the idea that my plans and God’s plans were not in alignment, and that was why I wasn’t prospering, why I was hopeless, and why my future looked bleak. After I decided that I had better get on the same page with God, I felt my life begin to be transformed. I began to feel the hope and see the wonderful future that is promised in this verse.
Do not get me wrong, my life has not been trouble-free since that day. In fact, I’ve had to traverse some fairly treacherous terrain, as most of us do. This verse does not mean that we will be spared pain, suffering, or hardship, but that God will see us through to a glorious conclusion. God knows the future, and has plans for us that are good and full of hope. As long as God, who knows the future, provides our agenda and goes with us as we fulfill our mission, we can have boundless hope.
We are not insignificant to God. On the contrary, God has plans for each one of us, plans that are specific to us. God has plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Rejoice in this, knowing that God’s plan is to bring us a life full of meaning and joy.
Thought for the day: Are my plans consistent with God’s plans for me? If not, what do I need to do to change course and find the hope and future God promises to me?
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.