December 06, 2024
Daily Devotion:
"God's Promising Future"
Jeremiah 29:11
New International Version
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.
These words in Jeremiah were written to those recently exiled to Babylon. God's people didn't know what their future looked like. God gave them a pretty strange instruction. They were neither to work against Babylon nor to conform to live like everyone else. Instead, they were to seek its good and prosperity, to be His witnesses even in
Babylon! Daniel and his friends definitely listened to this instruction and sought to live it out. However, not all of God's people did. Even so, God still kept His promise that the exile would last 70 years. God's plans weren't derailed. His plans were for hope.
God was working out His plan of salvation amongst all people, in all places, throughout all time. It wasn't just for those in exile. God was at work to restore and rebuild what was broken when sin entered this world. From the returned exiles, a descendent would come who would be the Savior of the world!
It's really helpful to know Jeremiah 29:11 was written to a heartbroken people whose world was in turmoil. They weren't sure how God could have allowed them to fall into the hands of their enemies. Yet, God's words bring them comfort as they realize He is the sovereign Lord of all history.
God's plans involve you! This doesn't mean you'll get everything you want. The people of Judah didn't. But God's plans are to use you to encourage other believers and be a light to those who don't yet know Him. You are the carrier of His hope to the world around you, which is often so hopeless.
