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.
Then you will call on 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...
When Jeremiah uttered these words, he was reminding the people of Judah about a key principle behind God's dealings with his people in any era. It is a principle still very much at work today: God wants to bless us, not harm us. Whatever the circumstances of your life, whatever important and life-changing decisions face you, remember that God is in control of your future. He knows the plans he has for you, and they are for your good. When you come to the crossroads and you have your heart set on turning right, he may want you to turn left instead. You must be open to God's leading in whatever direction he sees is best for you. If you follow his leading, you will be in the center of his will, fulfilling the purpose he has in mind. When you find yourself in the midst of suffering and hardship, don't think his plans for you have changed. God uses all things for the ultimate good of those who love him. You might not understand his purpose in all things, but he promises to be working for your good (Romans 8:28). You can be confident that God will keep that promise.
