Know that God is planning your future even when
you can't see what good is to come from it!
Today's Scripture:
"I say this because I know what I am planning for you," says the Lord. "I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future."
Jeremiah 29:11
Jeremiah shared encouragement with people who were being held captive in Babylon. They had been told that they would reside there for at least seventy years. These people could not see a happy ending from where they were standing as prisoners. They felt hopeless. But Jeremiah provided a different perspective for them to grasp.
Being in a difficult place does not seem that it would stimulate hope.
But hope is a by-product of problems.
Challenges produce patience; patience produces character; and character produces hope. A new military recruit may not enjoy every day of boot camp, but on graduation day the recruit appreciates the skill, endurance and courage that the rigors of training have refined. An office manager may not covet the training process of learning and using new software, but when the processes are more effective and efficient, the manager appreciates the increased profits. For the recruit and manager alike, fleeting moments of doubt and discomfort and even sometimes discouragement can be replaced by confidence and enthusiasm when the result hoped for becomes evident.
God allows you and I to understand the value of blessings through your circumstances that take you on the journey to hope. So, when God promises hope, realize that it may come from an unexpected process and may even be painful. Have hope in God, believing that his heart is to do what is best for you. Hope will never disappoint because it remains optimistic. When God is the source of your hope, you can believe in a better future that prospers your efforts. We can do this even when we have no way to see what the future really may hold for us. Be you encouraged to cling to the plan that God has for you.
Selah people' and friends identify a challenge you are facing. Instead of focusing on the difficulties of the challenge, reflect on the benefits of succeeding in the situation and what it will be like to come out in victory on the other side. Speak or write your hope for the future out in prayer and remain optimistic until it comes to be.
"Remember today when God is the one doing the planning we do not have to doubt that where and how He is taking us is definitely the way we need to go. Our goal then is to believe that His way is also the best way to get there."
Your pastor,
Rev Patrick Muston ~ via mobile - Mount Olive, NC ~ Westbrooke Park
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