God Has Plans

This is what the LORD says: “You will be in Babylon for seventy years. But then I will come and do for you all the good things I have promised, and I will bring you home again. [Jeremiah 29.10]

Everyone loves and quotes the verse following this verse, but not many really appreciate the implications of this verse.

The thing about verse 10 above is that there is more to it than just sitting and waiting 70 years - there is much, much more to it:

This is what the LORD of Heaven’s Armies, the God of Israel, says to all the captives he has exiled to Babylon from Jerusalem: “Build homes, and plan to stay. Plant gardens, and eat the food they produce. Marry and have children. Then find spouses for them so that you may have many grandchildren. Multiply! Do not dwindle away! And work for the peace and prosperity of the city where I sent you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, for its welfare will determine your welfare.” [Jeremiah 29.4-7]

It is almost like God is saying, "Take your lemons and make lemonade!"

God indeed has good plans for His children. Even in punishment, God's plans are good.

I suppose, since I have already stooped to the use of a cliche above, it will be no great offence to use another - "bloom where you are planted." It just seems like God wants us to stay active.

So, now might be a good time to go ahead in insert the famous verse here:

For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. [Jeremiah 29.11]

God has plans.

Father, I am grateful that You are in control and that You always have plans beyond my vision or comprehension!