My sister and I were having a conversation the other day about taking verses out of context. We settled on one verse in particular that people love to quote and scholars love to point out as being taken out of context. Jeremiah 29:11. I agree with scholars that the verse is taken out of context and that is a dangerous thing to do, but does that really make it less true?
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. - Jeremiah 29:11
I believe that God does have a plan for our lives, but gives us the opportunity to follow that plan or not. He gives us the choice to follow him and his ways or to follow the ways of the world.
I believe that in following God's plans, he desires for you to prosper, but that doesn't mean that sin has not entered the world and as a result that bad things do happen. I believe that God does not intend for us to be harmed but uses the results of sin and the harm it causes to teach us and mold us into better people.
Plans to give you a hope and a future. Isn't that what heaven is all about. Following what God wants in my life is what gives me hope and I know my future is secure in him through Christ's sacrifice.
I'm struggling with plans right now. I want to know what God wants me to do, what job I should have, will I someday get married have kids, should I go into missions, the possibilities of my future are endless. I understand that this verse was not written for me, but I still think that God views me in the same light. His plan for me is to follow him, and in doing so I have the hope of a future with him and right now, that's all I need to know.
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