Jeremiah 29:11 “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.'”
This is a popular verse in Christian culture. It has meant a lot throughout my journey so far, but not the all peachy meaning it is often presented as. It holds a deeper meaning since I studied the context of the verse. I’m not super eloquent when it comes to explaining the Bible, so here is a condensed explanation.
“Here’s the context: the Israelites were in exile…The prophet Jeremiah confronts the false prophet, Hananiah, who had boldly proclaimed that God was going to free Israel from Babylon in two years (spoiler alert: God doesn’t do this).
Jeremiah calls out Hananiah’s lie, and then states the promise we read in 29:11. God does indeed have a good plan for the Israelites, and it is a plan that will give them hope and a prospering future. Sounds good, right?
The thing is, before he shares this promise, he gives them this directive from God: “seek the peace and the prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the Lord for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” (29:7)
This is not at all what the Israelites wanted to hear! They wanted to be told that they were going to go home. They wanted to be told that their suffering was going to end. Instead, God’s plan was for them to stay right where they were, and to help prosper the nation that enslaved them!
And then came the biggest blow of all. In verse 10, God says that he would fulfill this “after seventy years are completed in Babylon.” This meant that none in the current generation of Israelites would ever return to their home. What a crushing thing to be told!”
-Author and blogger Mary DeMuth
Not to be misunderstood, I do not feel like I’m in exile like the Israelites. I also will be out here for 11 months and not seventy years, but I’m still figuring it out. Why God brought me here. I keep thinking that the reason is clear, but the truth is I still do not know. There are so many reasons that are obvious. There’s the Gospel of Jesus, first of all. Spreading the best news in the world is a clear command from Jesus, but it’s also a command that is to be obeyed no matter where in the world you are. So it does not answer my question of why I am here. Oh, and there’s the call. God called me here there is no doubt in my heart and mind that is true. Another obvious reason, the traveling. It is amazing seeing other cultures, but so far it has mostly only made me miss and appreciate my own all the more. My hope is that there will come a shift. One that will make me realize and believe that this journey is the best step of obedience I have ever taken. That this is exactly where I need to be. That being in Dupnitsa, Bulgaria is better than being in an American classroom ministering to youth through teaching (the original plan). That being in a relationship back home would not be better. That the friends surrounding me right now are the ones God wants for me, instead of the amazing friends and coworkers that I left in Lynchburg, Virginia and Lancaster, Pennsylvania. And that maybe, just maybe I didn’t walk into the most difficult year of my life and that I will be sad leaving the mission field in 8.5 months. A shift in thinking. It’s coming right? I am waiting and praying for it. Roses have thorns. A mountain’s best view is from the top. And God is faithful.
Ministry Update: I feel the prayers of my supporters everyday. Especially the difficult ones. Teaching English and doing construction has been very fruitful here in Dupnitsa. As my team and I get to know our ministry hosts more, we see the immense sacrifices they have made and make for their ministry everyday. It makes my own seem so small. But God’s kingdom is coming here. And I do believe we are leaving Jesus in this small mountain town full of a kind people. So thank you for praying! Please pray for the pastor of the church that has a salary of $450 a year, and the church that has been here for about 90 years he is shepherding.
Support Update: There are 16 DAYS left to raise $1,361.50! Please consider a first, second, or even third donation! One of my many amazing supports is matching all donations by 25% until I am fully funded. So thank you all for everything you have done for me and my journey. I have never felt so loved and undeserving of it. I am so grateful for each one of you! Help me raise the final 10%!
Love you guys!
Talya
