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.
- Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
I think that everyone struggles at times with things going on in their lives.
Just this past weekend, the mid-west United States experienced historical record-breaking flooding, including my husband’s hometown and mine in Northwest Iowa.
It was really hard to see photos posted on social media of places that we know and love covered in feet – not inches, feet of water.
We felt completely helpless.
Not even a month ago, Northwest Arkansas was devastated by multiple tornadoes hitting the area.
Trying to locate our family after the storms was terrifying, and this momma’s heart broke when our last (adult) child was found safe hours after the storm.
I have a dear friend struggling with continued medical issues, no less than a dozen doctors and specialists are stumped by her condition and cannot determine what is wrong, much less how to help her, putting a horrible strain on her marriage and her job at risk.
Another friend that requires surgical intervention for her health is concerned that her job won’t be there when she returns from her leave.
Still others fight internal demons daily, feelings of inadequacy and pain are their companions.
God knows the plans He has for us.
Jeremy Camp recently released “These Days”, I know a lot of folks skim over song lyrics or skip them completely, but I hope you’ll listen to this song and really hear the lyrics:
These days, my heart's always on the run
These days, the world's spinning out of control, oh
These days are fast and they're furious
Feels like the worst is ahead of us, oh, oh
Sometimes it's hard to feel at home, but
I believe that you and I
Are in the right place, at the right time
God called us by name
And He doesn't make mistakes
I know we were born to shine bright
In a dark world that needed some light
Don't have to be afraid
Maybe we were made for these days
Maybe we were made for these days
What if the beauty isn't crushed?
It just needs the hope that's inside of us, oh, oh
What if it's more than a destiny?
What if we're part of a masterpiece? Oh, oh
Until our Father brings us home
I believe that you and I
Are in the right place, at the right time
God called us by name
And He doesn't make mistakes
I know we were born to shine bright
In a dark world that needed some light
Don't have to be afraid
Maybe we were made for these days
Maybe we were made (for these days!)
'Cause staying when it gets hard
To love with open arms
It's something to embrace
Maybe we were made for these days
I believe that you and I
Are in the right place, at the right time
God called us by name
And He doesn't make mistakes
I know we were born to shine bright
In a dark world that needed some light
Don't have to be afraid
Maybe we were made for these days
Maybe we were made (for these days)
We may not know why we are going through difficult times, but we do know this: at the point of our birth, even before we are born, God knows what He has in store for us.
We each face some very real struggles and some of us (me) need this constant reminder – that God has a plan.
In the midst of despair, God has promised prosperity, hope, and a future.
Jeremiah told God's people that 70 years after the devastation in Israel, God would deliver and restore them.
How many times along the way did these people abandon God?
How many times have we abandoned Him?
But He did not abandon them or His promises to them.
And He won’t abandon us.
He was faithful.
And He is faithful.
In fact, even while they went on their way doing terrible things, God was planning and preparing a bright future for them.
Let this be a reminder to us that no matter how deep our own personal gloom may seem, God does have plans for us.
He will keep His promises to us.
He will deliver and bless us.
Maybe we were made (for these days)
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