“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’” (Jer. 29:11 NIV1984).
But what about my plans or yours? Weren’t they good choices? Most people know what they want to do after graduating high school or college. It could be having a career in teaching, firefighting, accounting, politics or any number of things — all of which are good choices. Many were able to follow their dreams because that is where God would use them for His glory.
For other people, however, that was not the plan God had for them. My husband, for example, planned to be a coach. He was always involved in sports, but God had other ideas for him. He called him to preach and that is what he did (and still does, though retired) for 61 years. He has never regretted God’s choice for him and has experienced continuous blessings over the years. When God’s purpose for our lives is paramount, our own plans fade into the background.
Personally, I never had big dreams for myself. I only wanted to be a wife and a mother. The Lord granted me that privilege and gave me a godly husband, two children (with spouses), four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. He also gave me employment when needed — first as a substitute school teacher, then later working in the insurance industry.
Although retired, (officially, but not entirely), He has planned my life from day one. I have gotten off track at times, but He has never failed me. From Missouri, to Arkansas, to Maryland, to Texas, back to Arkansas, to Tennessee and now Arkansas again, He has led me all the way. There were times when I was a little fearful of what the future would hold, but had I balked at His plan for my life, I would not have experienced the joys and blessings He has bestowed upon me and my family.
God made a promise to the Israelites when their 70 years of captivity was over. What blessings were to come their way! When they called to Him, He would listen. “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jer. 29:13). Surely, for the time, they were beyond excited — God had not forgotten them.
The psalmist David gives wonderful assurances to God’s children. “Lord, you have assigned me my portion and my cup; you have made my lot secure. The boundary lines have fallen for me in pleasant places; surely I have a delightful inheritance… You have made known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand” (Psalm 16:5-6, 11). Can’t you sense the joy and confidence David had in God? These verses have comforted believers through the ages. The last verse also refers to the Messiah who conquered death and sits at the right hand of God. He has promised eternal pleasures to all who trust in Him.
To experience the promises God offers, believers must not choose a path different from what He has ordained for them. When tuned in to God’s will, David said this: If the Lord delights in a man’s way, he makes his steps firm; though he stumble, he will not fall, for the Lord upholds him with his hand” (Psalm 37:23-24).
God’s promises remain true if we follow the path He has laid out for us. “Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Phil. 1:6).
