God has a plan!

It’s an amazing day to see God’s promises and I can’t wait to explore them with you.

Years ago, my wife Laurel and I went through a very challenging time. At the time, I had been serving at a local church as the youth pastor. Through a series of tough leadership changes and obstacles, we believed that God was calling us to step down. I won’t go into the details, but our hearts were broken because we loved the church, the students, and the community. With the fear of no job and an uncertain future, we stepped out in obedience even though everything felt shaky around us. Despite so much uncertainty, the solid foundation of Jesus gave us so much peace.

friend, have you ever had a moment where it seemed that your hope was on shaky ground and your steps felt unsteady?

The people of Israel certainly did. Many people are familiar with the promise God made to His people in Jeremiah 29:11. The promise God makes is:

"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) 

This is such a beautiful promise, but I often forget that it was made to a group of people who were facing years upon years of exile and challenge. This was not an easy time for the people of Israel. They were missing home, so finding hope was hard. What sustained them? God’s promise that He had a plan and a purpose!

When Laurel and I look back now, we can see that our obedience opened so many doors of blessing that we would never have explored had we not believed God’s promise of provision. The years that followed the ones of the challenge have truly been miraculous in so many ways.

friend, how differently would our days look if we believed with confidence that the challenges of today will be the blessings of tomorrow? God always has a plan and He is working  for your good right now.  

Let’s pray together. Jesus. We love and trust your plans. We will not grow weary in doing good, as we hold on to this promise that You have made. God, help us to step out in faith knowing that today will soon be a memory and tomorrow will be a miracle. Thank you for always keeping your promises. Amen.

You are a miracle!

Your friend,