God has plans that are not general but specific. They have eternal purpose and never become outdated, dusty or archaic. God wants us to understand that His plan for us is good and is the best strategy amongst all of the personal growth and development materials out there.
As we meditate upon God’s plan, I can’t help but think of God’s words found in Jeremiah 29. In this chapter God directs Jeremiah to encourage Israel that even though they are suffering the consequences of sin, God has not forgotten them, He has a plan, and that He will deliver them after the completion of 70 years.
Here is Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans that I think toward you, says the LORD, plans of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
There are many truths in this verse, (even more in the chapter) but we will look at 6 aspects of God’s plan for us.
- God’s plan is personal. It is not general and there is nothing common about God’s core plan for us. It is very personal.
- God’s plan is not a mystery and is therefore real. That being said, God’s plan is more real, and possible and attainable than our 1, 5 and 10-year plans!
- God’s plan is prosperous and good. If we submit to His plan it will turn out far better than we could think or conceptualize.
- God’s plan is not harmful but is good for us. Many times people think that God does not have good in mind for us which is a lie. He has our best in mind.
- God’s plan is something our hope can be anchored on. Our hope is future and certain not vague and nebulous. As well, our future is fastened to truth and reality rather than chance or the world’s concept of fate.
- God’s plan is something that we can look forward to. It good, perfect, and out of this world!
God’s plan culminates with us in heaven with Him, singing, worshipping and enjoying the beauty and glory of Christ. But there is a clue as to what is in store for us after we get there found in an ancient document called Ephesians. The author Paul writes, “…that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Eph. 2:7). Though we do not know exactly what is entailed, this is something to look forward to indeed!
Knowing that God has my best in mind and has a wonderful plan for conforming me into the image of His Son, gives me great hope as well as courage to stay the course, be faithful to finish and be faithful to the finish.
PD