For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope. Jeremiah 29:11 NRSV
Generally, there are two types of folks, those who plan and those who don't. For the planners among us, I include myself in that lot; we love our calendars, task apps, and organization tools. This is okay; plans help keep us on target with meeting goals. Sometimes though, our programs go to pot. Our plans, as good as they may be, are still imperfect. What started as a good plan hit unexpected bumps, necessitating a fallback to Plan B (and C).
Often though, our plans are just that—our plans. Today's verse reminds us that God already has plans for us. There's a saying, "If the plan doesn't work, change the plan, not the goal." I would change that slightly, "If the plan doesn't work, use God's plan, and let him set the goals." Whatever he has in mind for us is far better (and greater) than plans we come up with on our own.
Again, we can see Israel as an example; they failed to include God in their plans, so they spent 70 years in exile. Yet, despite this failure, God made plans for them to prosper. A continuation of the covenant promise made with their forefather Abraham long ago. From Abraham's seed would come the Messiah, bringing good news to all nations.
God's plans didn't stop with Jesus Christ, though. They live on through his disciples, you and me. And he has great plans for each of us. All of us, with different gifts and talents, focused on one goal to bring about God's purpose for humankind in the opening pages of Genesis.
Father God, thank you for your plans for each of us. Despite our deviation from that plan through sinfulness, you still have plans for our welfare and future. By your design, you sent Jesus to save us and the Holy Spirit \to guide us. Help us to make your plans our plans. To humble ourselves, seek your will, and be obedient children. We pray thin in the name of your Son, and our brother, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Blessings,
Pastor Tim
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