“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
on account of not grasping 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 them 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 with your children and teach them about the forgiveness and faithfulness of God.
- Pray for a greater awareness of God’s activity in the lives of your family. Pray for opportunities to share God’s faithfulness with those around you.
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