Jeremiah 29:11 - "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"
But what a hopeful verse! Just imagine for a moment... the God who created the universe... the God who created not only life, but the very concept of life... wants YOU to prosper.
Do you believe in the power of God? Do you think He has influence in the matters of the world? How about in the details of your day? Now how encouraging is it that you have no less than the power of God working to prosper you each day!
These words are powerful and uplifting. But I do understand that despair in our lives can overshadow their promise. Let me share a story from my own struggles...
I was working in a job that required a lot. In fact, it required so much, that I felt EMPTY by the time I got home each evening. My days were filled with frustration, anger, and hopelessness. I was completely overwhelmed and constantly behind. I had little time for family, service to the Church, and the things in life I enjoyed.
In the midst of this experience, it felt clear to me I needed to move on. I needed to move to a job that would allow me to proper in other areas in which I felt called to build His Kingdom (e.g., family, worship leading). Believing I was being called elsewhere, I took steps to find another job. And boy did I take action! I sent resumes, I reached out to recruiters, I reached out to my "network", I interviewed... you get the picture.
So what's the problem? Well, this went on for months that turned in to years! Because all my effort seemed in vain, I had frequent doubts about God's will and His plans for my life. If God wanted me out of my current job and in another, I reasoned, He would certainly wield His power to make it happen, right?
It was actually the words of my wife that reminded me of this verse from Jeremiah. She told me one day that "God promises in His Word that He wants to bless us".
It was the reminder I needed to persevere in my job hunt. Since that day, I frequently read and recited this verse to empower me through the difficult moments, believing in faith that God wanted better for me.
Of course, God HAS come through in a big way, blessing me with a new job full of much of the relief I have needed. Being less overwhelmed means I can "thrive" in other important areas of my life.
I encourage you to meditate on this verse for a moment today. Really let it sink in that the God who created the universe and life (including yours) wants YOU to prosper. If you have any doubts about God's plan for your life being prosperous, please share in the comments below. We want to encourage each other during difficult times that there is truly nothing less than the power of God on your side!
