For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
This is a verse that many of us know, and that many quote, but also one that many do not truly take to heart and find hope in. It is a verse that is far too often misrepresented as a promise for financial and social success. Far too often, “prosperity” and “hope for a future” are viewed through a worldly scope that promises wealth and earthly victories with no focus on the Kingdom or on God’s direction and larger plan.
I was recently brought back to this verse when a dear friend gifted me with a bracelet with the inscription “For I know the plans I have for Kristin . . .Love, Jesus.” She is making these bracelets for a ministry to women that have been victims of sex trafficking to remind them of God’s love and plan for them and of their true worth in His eyes and she made them for some of her friends as well. It is a beautiful gift and it reminds me of the beautiful life that I have in that I am loved by Him and a part of His larger plan. It made it personal.
As I read the inscription on my wrist daily, it reminds me that I have value in His plan and that He KNOWS the plans that He has for ME. I may not know why He has me where I am or why my life is headed in a certain direction but He KNOWS. I may not understand the larger picture or how I play into it, but He KNOWS. This understanding and reminder of my value as a part of something larger than myself is so encouraging and inspiring and definitely gives me HOPE for a future that brings His Kingdom to this earth. It gives me HOPE for a future that brings Him glory.
He has a plan for each of us and He KNOWS the plan . . . so we can have HOPE without knowing the plan. All we have to do is KNOW Him and trust in His design for the future and our role in it. Remembering this simple truth gives a new perspective to living out His call on our lives in that He has it under control and He KNOWS the plan for each of us . . . All we need to do is seek and follow as He directs and we will PROSPER.
He KNOWS the plans that He has for ME and I have HOPE for the future as I am seeking and following His direction daily in all things. I pray the same for all of you.
