Scripture: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.” – Jeremiah 29:11
Examination: Jeremiah is writing to those in captivity in Babylon. He explains that their captivity will last for 70 years, but that God will never abandon them. His plan for them is to return to Israel and prosper after 7 decades.
Application: When I was in high school, my dad and I had several talks about my future career choices. He recommended teaching or nursing to which I was dead set against. I had more grandiose ideas! Maybe a cardiac surgeon or famous singer. Regardless of what path I would choose, he was very firm about me attending and graduating from college… the first to do so in my family. No matter what would later become my chosen career, my father most assuredly had definite plans for me that would help in being successful in whatever I decided to do.
Dad wanted only good things for me in life. He offered me advice, steered me in the right direction, and surprisingly to me, I settled on both of my father’s suggestions! I was a nurse for many years before switching careers and teaching middle school. It was my father who had my best interests at heart. Not a neighbor or even another member of the family. My dad wanted the best for me; I was his daughter, and he loved me.
Our heavenly Father also wants only the best for His children. He has a divine plan for each one of us as stated in Ephesians 2:10,“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.” It begins with our salvation, and then He continues to work in us to make us more like His precious Son. Philippians 1:6 affirms this, “Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ:”
God desires for us to have an abundant life with Him, starting now in this world and continuing for all eternity because of the great love He has for each one of us. Jeremiah reminds us of God’s declaration, “…Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” (31:3)
However, we must remember that God is also a gentleman, and He doesn’t force any of us to place our faith and trust in Him. While Jesus died on the cross and rose from the dead to be our Saviour, it doesn’t happen automatically, nor does God compel us to be saved. He extends the invitation, offers the gift, and it is up to each of us to accept it. That’s the amazing love of God! Every wonderful thing that God has planned for you is just a prayer away!
Memory Verse: “I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.” – Psalm 32:8
Take my life and let it be consecrated, Lord, to thee.
Take my moments and my days; let them flow in endless praise,
Let them flow in endless praise.
Take my love; my Lord, I pour at thy feet its treasure store.
Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for thee,
Ever, only, all for thee.
(from “Take My Life and Let It Be” by Frances Ridley Havergal)