A Future And A Hope
Jeremiah 29:11 CSB“For I know the plans I have for you”—this is the LORD’s declaration—“plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”
God’s great plan for you and me is to offer us a future and a hope through His New Covenant, established in Jesus the Messiah. From before our birth, God has planned for those who have trusted in Jesus alone for their salvation to experience His forgiveness, His blessings, and His promise of eternal life.
I understand that life can throw us many curveballs. As followers of Jesus, we face rejection, scorn, ridicule, unexpected trials, and even heartbreaking medical news. Where does God fit into all of this?
We are reminded in Hebrews 12:2-3 of the remedy:
“Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
For those of us facing illness, we are reminded in James 5:14-15:
“Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up.”
And Psalm 41:3 reminds us:
“The Lord sustains them on their sickbed and restores them from their bed of illness.”
And let’s remember what the Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:9:
“But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
When all is said and done today, let’s look to Jesus and trust and obey. God will work out His plan for us.