WHEN LIFE DOESN’T FEEL LIKE A “GOOD PLAN”
In a world filled with uncertainty and challenges, there’s a powerful truth that can anchor our souls and give us hope: God has good plans for us. This isn't just a comforting thought; it’s a promise from the Creator of the universe, a declaration of His intentions towards humanity.
The Life-Changing Idea of God's Good Plans
The notion that the God of the universe, who created and knows all things, has good plans for us is truly transformative. When it sinks deep enough into our hearts, it can change us forever. This doesn’t mean we won’t have moments of doubt or struggle, but it provides a foundation upon which we can build our lives.
The fact that you know God has good plans for you shifts the way you relate to every circumstance in your life. It becomes the bedrock upon which you can construct your identity, your purpose, and your future.
The Reality of Our Plans vs. God's Plans
We all make plans. Whether it's a to-do list for the day, New Year’s resolutions, or long-term life goals, we’re constantly planning. But how often do our plans work out exactly as we envision? If you're like most people, the answer is rarely, if ever.
Our plans are limited by our knowledge, foresight, and circumstances. We make the best decisions we can with the information we have, but often, things don’t go as expected. This is where the beauty of God's plans comes in.
Unlike our imperfect, limited plans, God’s plans are perfect.
He doesn’t need to adjust to new information or recalibrate based on unexpected circumstances. He knows the beginning of our story and the end. His plans for us are good not just for us individually, but for others and for our relationship with Him.
The Promise of Jeremiah 29:11
Perhaps one of the most famous verses in the Bible that speaks to God's good plans is 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.’”
The context of this verse is crucial to understanding its power. God spoke these words to the Israelites when they were in exile in Babylon. They had been removed from their homeland, their temple was destroyed, and they were living as captives in a foreign land. From their perspective, it seemed like God had abandoned them or that His plans for them had failed.
But in this moment of despair and uncertainty, God sends a message through the prophet Jeremiah. He reminds them that even in their lowest moment, He still has good plans for them. Plans not to harm them, but to give them hope and a future.
This verse isn’t just a promise for the Israelites thousands of years ago. It’s a declaration of God’s character and His intentions towards His people throughout all time. It’s a promise we can cling to today, regardless of our circumstances.
When Life Doesn’t Feel Like a “Good Plan”
Let’s be honest, sometimes life doesn’t feel like it's part of a “good plan.” We face hardships, losses, and disappointments that can make us question whether God really has our best interests at heart.
In these moments, we can take comfort in knowing that God’s definition of “good” might be different from ours. His plans are not just for our immediate comfort or success, but for our ultimate good and His glory. Sometimes, what feels like a setback is actually setting us up for growth, deeper faith, or opportunities we couldn't have imagined.
Remember the Israelites in exile? They probably didn't feel like their situation was part of a “good plan.” Yet, it was during this time of hardship that some of the most powerful prophecies about the coming Messiah were given. God was working out His plan, even when it wasn't visible to them.
Living in Light of God’s Good Plans
Understanding that God has good plans for us should change the way we live. Here are some practical ways to align our lives with this truth:
Cultivate Trust: Regularly remind yourself of God’s faithfulness in the past. This builds trust for the future.
Practice Surrender: Instead of clinging tightly to your own plans, practice surrendering your desires to God.
Seek God’s Guidance: Make seeking God’s will a priority in your decision-making process.
Live with Hope: Let the assurance of God’s good plans fill you with hope, even in difficult times.
Share the Good News: As you experience God’s good plans in your life, share the hope you have with others.
The Ultimate Good Plan
As we consider God's good plans for us, we remember that the ultimate expression of His good intentions towards us is found in Jesus. Through Jesus, God provided a way for us to be reconciled to Him, to experience His love and grace, and to have eternal life.
This is the greatest “good plan” of all – that no matter what we face in this life, we have the promise of a future with God that surpasses anything we can imagine. As the apostle Paul wrote, “No eye has seen, no ear has heard, and no mind has imagined what God has prepared for those who love him” (1 Corinthians 2:9).
Take Action
In a world that often feels chaotic and unpredictable, the truth that God has good plans for us is a beacon of hope. It's not a guarantee of an easy life, but a promise of a purposeful one. It's an assurance that no matter what we face, we are not alone, and our story is still being written by a loving Author.
So today, whatever you're facing, whatever plans you’re making or seeing fall apart, remember this truth: God has good plans for you. Plans to prosper you, not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future. Let this truth sink deep into your heart, shape your perspective, and guide your steps.
*If this has been helpful, please send me a message at brad@bradjenkins.me and let me know. And please help me by sharing this post with others who could benefit from it. My writing aims to help people enjoy a vibrant relationship with Jesus, and it is an honor to be on this journey with you.
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