“For
I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord,
plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah
29:11)
The above passage has been a wonderful promise and
encouragement for God’s people throughout redemptive history. From the very first Jewish audience
that heard the words for the first time to modern day Christians, God has
assured His people of His plan and purpose for them. Even so, many believers don’t grasp the significance, because
they do not understand the context in which it is given.
God gave this wonderful promise to Israel, one that would be
fulfilled after they experienced God’s judgment. Jeremiah was sent to Israel to call the Israelites back to
the Lord. They didn’t listen;
therefore, God brought destruction upon Jerusalem, the temple, and the people
of God. A remnant of the people
was exiled for 70 years. In other
words, their dreams were shattered.
Nevertheless, in God’s economy, shattered dreams are not a
dead-end, but a doorway for God’s grace.
Notice what the verse before the one above says, “For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed
for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring
you back to this place” (Jeremiah 29:10).
God was going to enable them to dream again. Shattered dreams are a doorway for God to do great and higher
things in our lives.
·
Think of discomforting times in your
life that caused distrust. How did
you respond? What are some of the lessons God taught you?
·
Think of a time of devastation in your
life that became a doorway for greater and higher dreams. If you are a parent, share it with your
children and teach them about the forgiveness and faithfulness of God.
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