"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 a hope and a future."
Many people quote this verse. Especially around the New Year. It is a great truth to remember as we plunge forward into another year. However, I think we quote it without recognizing and appreciating the context this verse was spoken in.
Jeremiah was a prophet during one of the darkest times for Israel. They were facing a take over from a foreign nation and were being forced out of their homeland. They were facing this time because of the consequences of their sin. God was releasing judgment upon them.
This time in Israel's history was a time of grief, intense fear, and death. But in the midst of all this, when they did not know what their future held, God spoke this promise, "For I know the plans I have for you..."
Sometimes we go through very dark times. We tend to look upon these times with disgust because we cannot stand the feelings that come along with it. We also do not like not knowing what our future holds. We look upon these times as something that will change what God has promised us; what He has called us to. However, we can learn from this promise being spoken during such a dark time. We can learn that we do not have to know what our future holds, we simply have to trust God who does! We have to trust the heart of God, trust that He does everything and allows certain things because He knows that it will ultimately prosper us. We have to trust that God does nothing to harm us, even when we feel judgment is being released upon our lives. We have to trust that His heart and His plan and His purpose is for us to have a hopeful future!
So, with that being said, do not let your circumstances dictate your future. Allow God's promises to supersede your circumstances. Let His promise give you hope!
I pray that this year will be the year of fruition! That God will bring to pass those things He has promised you. That you will no longer wade in the darkness of what has come to pass, but that you will see with new eyes your Heavenly Father's ability to make all things work together for your good!
God bless!
-Amanda
