“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
We often picture this beautiful passage on a greeting card or inspirational wall art. But Jeremiah prophesied this word to a people in captivity. He told them to plant gardens, have babies, and build homes. They were captives of Babylon, but God would in due time rescue them and restore them to their land. He said to them, “Multiply! Do not dwindle away!” Our tendency during troubled times is to shrink back, and when we’re afraid, we react. When hardships press in, we tend to hunker down. Self-preservation instinctively kicks in. But faith plans for the future in the face of fear. Faith rises above the current circumstances and envisions a new place of promise, a new place to thrive, and a new strength in the Lord. One thing God asked of the Israelites amidst their captivity was to return to Him in all of their ways; to seek Him wholeheartedly. And He promised to listen to their prayers. If your circumstances have pressed you and you’ve hunkered down or shrunk back, rise up today. Dream today. God has purposes and plans for you. Don’t react or pull back. Run to Jesus with everything in you and get a vision for where He’s taking you.
Father,
How quickly I forget to trust You! I engage my faith once again. I’ll obey today, seek You today, and plant seeds today. Your ways are always good. Amen.
Susie Larson appears this Thursday on LIFE TODAY. This is an excerpt from Prevail by Susie Larson. Copyright ©2020 by Susie Larson. Published by Bethany House Publishers, a division of Baker Publishing Group. Used by permission.
