The world today is in turmoil; we are in the midst of a global economic crisis. In this country our economy, largely built on debt, is falling apart. Several banks have had to be saved from failing. There is talk of recession and of job losses.
Now most of us probably don't fully understand what is going on but we do see the effects of this in the prices we pay, the value of our homes if we own them, our job security and in the general morale of the country. For some it's going to be a gloomy Christmas. And that's certainly not what they were planning just a few short weeks ago.
Amid all this uncertainty stands the Word of God:
"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)
God's plans for you and I include:
· Hope in a world that just lately seems to have lost all hope
· a future – but not just any old future - a glorious, victorious future - a future full of hope.
Isn't it something exciting to know that God has got plans for you (and me), that the creator of the universe has big, exciting plans that include you? In all this chaos God is still in control and still has plans for us.
There's another promise in God's word too that we should consider:
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. (Romans 8:28)
We all make plans, both short-term and long-term. Those of us who love and serve God know that He is working for our best interests and that alone should guide us as we make our plans. We can make our best plans and try to carry them out in our own strength. Or we can make careful plans and ask God to bless them. Yet the best way is to begin with God; to ask His plans, and to offer ourselves to Him to carry out His purposes.
Let's get on board with God's plans.
