Do you believe God has plans for you in 2014? Are you familiar with the verse from 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 a hope and a future.’” (NIV)
Some people believe God won’t let bad things happen when they read this verse. In context, God was telling the Jerusalem exiles what would happen after seventy years of captivity.
“…..‘I will come back to you and fulfill my promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,’ declares the Lord. ‘I will bring you back’…..”
What a promise God made! Do you feel like you’ve been captive in 2013? Are you living in circumstances of hurt and heartache? God says,
I will come back to you. I’ll fulfill my promise. I know the plans I have for you and they’re full of hope and a future you can’t yet see.
When you seek me you’ll find me with all your heart.
I’ll bring you back.
Do you need to hear that?
Has 2013 left you farther away from God than anticipated? Have circumstances you’re living in hardened your heart towards Him? If so, this verse is for you. He loves you. No matter the circumstances or the condition of your heart, He hasn’t left you. As you set your face towards 2014, He wants to bring you back.
If 2013 year was one of goodness and praise, thank God! Shout it to the heavens! Share it with others.
But if 2013 was one you want to rip off the calendar and burn, do it! Hand it to God and take hold of this promise for you:
Even in adversity, God will protect you in ways you can’t imagine. No matter what 2013 held, God has a future and hope for you and your family.
Prosperity doesn’t mean you’ll win the lottery. Prosperity Jeremiah 29:11-style means when you walk in God’s ways, obeying and seeking Him, He’ll use you for His glory. You’ll be blessed along the way. Blessings aren’t found in green dollars – they’re the riches that fill and overflow from your heart.
When God says “I have a future for you!” He’s asking you to trust Him even if you don’t feel like it.
Grabbing hold of a promised future takes action. What do you need to do for hope in the new year? Is there an attitude, action or relationship you need to change? Is there something God’s calling you to obey, but you’re standing stock-still?
Jeremiah 29:13 is full of action:
Come, pray, seek and find.
If you need a new direction for 2014, this is your calling – come, pray, seek and find.
You have a hope and a future waiting for you. What do you need to do to grab it? How do you need to claim revolutionary faith in trusting the future God has for you?
0 Comments