Jeremiah 29:11, “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.”
This is one of my favorite verses in the Bible because it gives me hope. I think of it often whenever things are not going well. I quote it often to friends who are struggling. You see it on coffee mugs, posters, and t-shirts. But am I using it out of context? Sometimes we get so used to thinking one way that it never dawns on us that our thinking may be skewed.
Does the Bible say God has a plan for you as an individual or for His people? Does God’s plan for His people include a plan for each individual? Is each of us gifted in a certain way to help achieve His plan for all of His people? If God has a plan for everyone, then it would seem that everyone has to either opt in or out of that plan.
CONTEXT
What is the context of this passage? God was talking to the nation of Israel through the prophet Jeremiah. During a time when the Israelites were living in captivity in Babylon. They were slaves. That’s the critical thing to note; this passage addresses slaves living in enemy territory. Jeremiah had just dropped the bomb on the Israelites that their liberation would be 70 years off. I would guess that most Israelites were depressed by this news. Most of them would be dead before liberation. Jeremiah then encourages them with this passage.
It is addressed to a group of people, not individuals. It promises that God is still in control even when things are bleak. It’s a promise that even though things might not make sense to them now, God’s plan is still good.
Psalm 33:11, “The plans of the Lord stand firm forever, the purposes of His heart through all generations.”
I believe that God has a plan and purpose not only for the human race but for my individual life. – Anne Graham Lotz
APPLICATION
So, am I wrong in using this verse to provide hope for myself? Yes and No. This verse does not assure me of future prosperity and a life without strife. It does remind me that I am part of something bigger—God has designated me as part of His plan for His people. We have to take any passage in the Bible and wrap it with the totality of God’s teaching. God’s plan is still good, and I am part of His plan.
Ephesians 2:10, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.”
We are each gifted with specific attributes that God will use to forward His Kingdom here on earth. Although this gifting may not seem equal from a human point of view, it is in God’s eyes because we are created perfectly for the mission he has for us. If we are gifted to leadership and business, it is because business people need to hear the Gospel. If we are gifted as craftsmen or teachers, they also need to hear the good news. Whatever country we were raised in, whatever economic circumstances we find ourselves in, and whatever vocation we gravitate toward was specified by God to expand His kingdom.
Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”
Does that mean that we should accept our circumstances? That depends on what the Holy Spirit is telling you. Part of the training I am involved with centers around this concept; Are you called to do this? Has God put it on your heart to pursue this life change? Are you doing it because you want it, or is this part of God’s gifting for you?
Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Throughout our lives, God moves us through seasons. He is constantly teaching and directing us. Your purpose never changes, but your plan may. You might need experience in another skill or another country before you are ready to progress. What you perceive as your destination may only be the next mile marker.
Psalm 32:8, “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you.”
Along the way, wherever you find yourself, you are where God wants you to be. He wants you to experience the joy of working with Him for His people at every point in your life. God will not set you aside. Even in quiet times, there will be opportunities to work with God.
Proverbs 16:3-4, “Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established. The Lord has made everything for its purpose, even the wicked for the day of trouble.”
God has plans to give you hope and a future; you are the one who has to opt in or out.
Philippians 1:6, “I am confident of this, that the one who began a good work among you will bring it to completion by the day of Jesus Christ.”