Dear friend, today we are going to meditate on Jeremiah 29:11, where the Lord declares, “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God always has a plan to bless us. His plans are never random or uncertain, but rather, they are carefully designed for our good. As Isaiah 28:29 affirms, “The plans God makes are wise, and they always succeed.” Men may devise countless plans, but in the end, it is God’s purpose that prevails.

When God ordained beautiful things for David, the King of Israel, opposition arose. Men and women became jealous of him, plotting evil against him. That is why David cried out in Psalm 140:2, “Men devise evil plans in their hearts and stir up war every day.” And in the next verse, he laments, “They make their tongues as sharp as a serpent; the poison of vipers is on their lips.” In his distress, David turned to God in prayer, “Lord, keep me safe from the hands of the wicked.” God is so good, and His plans are always good. But in contrast, the plans of men and women can be evil. That is why God reassures us, “My plans are not for evil, but for your good.” During times of difficulty, we may struggle to see God’s perfect plan. We cry, we lament, and sometimes, we even question God, unable to comprehend the future. But no matter what, God’s plans are always for our good. He wisely orchestrates everything for our benefit. Even when our steps seem messy and uncertain, we can trust that God is guiding us along the right path.

An example of this is when our daughter Sharon entered her university. On a huge wall, she saw the very same verse displayed, “I have a plan for you. Not for evil, but for your good. I am here to give you hope and a future.” Sharon was deeply encouraged, and she said, “The Lord is thinking about me too!” 

Dear friend, many times, people may trample over us. God may allow us to go through fire and water, but as He promises in Psalm 66:12, “The Lord will bring us into a place of abundance.” Today, you may feel like a nobody, but take heart, God has a beautiful future for you. Surely, there is hope ahead, and your hope will not be cut off. Be of good cheer, dear friend! The Lord has you in His mind always.

PRAYER: 
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the wonderful plans You have for my life, plans to prosper me and not to harm me. You are a God of wisdom, and every plan You make is perfect and will surely succeed. When others rise against me, Lord, be my refuge and keep me safe from the hands of the wicked. In moments of uncertainty, help me to remember that You are guiding my steps along the right path. Even when I cannot see the future, I believe that You are working all things together for my good. Thank You, Lord, for leading me through fire and water and bringing me into a place of abundance. I rejoice in knowing that no matter where I am today, You have a beautiful future prepared for me. I give You all the glory and praise, for You are always mindful of me, and Your plans never fail. In Jesus’ name, I pray, Amen.