Today’s scripture: Jeremiah 29:11 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Terri Brown):
What better way to start the New Year than knowing that God has plans for you. Not knowing what the plans are may be a problem for some, but to know that somewhere out there is a source which has everything already planned out and all we have to do is act on it and follow the plan . . . . That is an awesome way to start anew. In contemplating this verse I have to look back and recall how I ignored the message and thought it did not apply to me.
My mind kept tingling with the words, “Yes, God is here. Remember the Footprints in the Sand? You might not see God, but the signs are there.”
And I would put my hands over my ears, like a child, thinking that would make it all go away. God is so patient.
Wow! God has a lot of trust in me so I certainly can place that trust right back in God’s hands. I think of all the times I did not trust God, or anyone for that matter. But God always had plans for me and never abandoned me. I thought everyone was out to get me. I would not even plan a future. I did not care.
I was hurt, hurting, and wanting to hurt. But God said, “I know what I am doing.” Somehow I got through all the rough times and came out on the other side, able to truly see that the God whom I always knew, indeed, did not abandon me. God is the truth and the light.
And I gave him every reason to give up on me. I doubted, I wanted to give up, I harmed my body, I wished harm on others; and God did not abandon me.
How could this all be part of God’s plan? I still may be waiting to discover all the answers, but I do know this: I appreciate life and people and God so much more because of all I have been through. It may have been rough, but it is worth sitting back and remembering who I was and how far I have come.
And I now plan for a future full of hope and love and sharing and caring. I am always encouraged by the Word, mainly because it was once lost to me. Now I cannot wait to regularly spread the message: for no matter who you are or what you are going through (or have been through), God has plans for you.
“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).
Thought for the day: Today, be encouraged by all that the Lord has done for you and practice patience as you prepare for the future and more of God’s plans for you.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the suggestions on the How to Pray page.