“‘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
This verse is among the most famous in the bible. The comforting promises deliver an image of a God who is there to protect, to gently guide, to offer up hope and deliverance.
This verse is soothing and is absolutely true. God does have a plan for you. However, when we take the verse out of context, it delivers a slightly different message than when we look at what is taking place in Jeremiah’s day.
At the time this verse was written, Jerusalem was preparing to be overtaken by Babylonian forces. False prophets were encouraging the people, telling them that even if Israel did fall, they would only remain captives for a couple of years – this would all blow over soon. Jeremiah, on the other hand, had become a less-than popular prophet, as he consistently told the Israelites to surrender, to go with the Babylonians without a fight.
This verse was written in a letter that included other instructions from the Lord. Unpopular instructions. Directions to cultivate gardens, give their children in marriage, enjoy their grandchildren, all within the Babylonian regime. God was telling the people to get comfortable in their captivity because they were going to be there for a while.
How many times have we used this verse to encourage someone who is going through a tough trial? “Don’t worry,” we say, “It’s all part of God’s plan for you.” And it is. It most definitely is. But would our friend feel as encouraged if we spouted off Jeremiah 29:11 and said “The Israelites were only in captivity for 70 years!”? Probably not.
God does have a plan for your life. But His plan is not always going to look the same as your plan. And sometimes part of that plan is adjusting your expectations, changing your perspective, and asking yourself different questions.
Life is all about sanctification. Our trials and tribulations do have a purpose, and God does want us to prosper. But what if that prosperity takes place in the Babylon regime? What if we’re called to plant flowers while in captivity, to bloom where we’re planted instead of waiting for deliverance and bemoaning our current circumstance?
Submitted by Sydney Meyer
Prayer
God, help us to come to you when trials and tribulations arise. Help us see the good and gratitude in every circumstance, even when our lives are uprooted and we’re called to endure for longer than we were expecting. Thank you for your good plan and your promises of prosperity. Amen.