God said, "For I know..."

If you knew someone with a gift or talent to do something better, I would think you would go and ask that person for help.  For example, if you knew a person who makes delicious desserts, you would ask that person how to make them.  It would be unproductive to ask someone who, never made cakes, cookies, pies, or any other desserts for advice on what to do.  They would most likely respond; I do not know and perhaps refer you to a person or website for help.

Similarly in our spiritual walk, we go to a knowledgeable source for instruction. Two scripture verses give us a glimpse of the all-knowing, omniscient God and an awareness that our plans are not always His plans, what we think is not what God thinks, what we believe our future should look like is not how God sees it, where we believe we should be is not always where God wants us to be, and finally, when we feel discouraged, it is a reminder that God is bigger, greater, and more powerful than anything, even our emotions.

The two scriptures are found in the books of Jeremiah and Isaiah. Jeremiah 29:11 (AMP), we are told, “For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,’ says the Lord, ‘plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope”.

God said in this scripture verse that He knows the plans He has for us and they are good. Imagine asking someone; what are your plans for today?  I strongly believe that you will get a different answer for each person you ask.  You might hear one person say, I have plans to binge on my favorite program while sitting on the couch and eating popcorn.  Another might say, I plan to shop online to find a gift for someone, and perhaps another might say, I plan to catch up on some house chores.  This list could go on and on until you stop asking.

Jeremiah 29:11 says God knows His plans for us.  Have you asked God - “What are Your plans for my life?”  There is no doubt that God knows the plans He has for us.  However, you might have your own perceived idea of what God wants you to do or strive to become. What if you were just thinking about taking cooking classes, but God wanted you to own a restaurant, for His plans are greater than ours?

As Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us God said, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways,” declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, And My thoughts higher than your thoughts.

God’s plans and thoughts for us are higher.  You might be thinking that you will strive to become a medical assistant; however, God’s plans and thoughts for you could be to become a doctor.  Also, you might think you will study to become a paralegal; however, God’s plan for you might be to become a lawyer. 

There is nothing wrong with any professions, like medical assistant and paralegal.  If that is in God’s plan for you, it is for you.

However, you will never know what God has for your life until you ask.  Jeremiah 29:11 and Isaiah 8, start with the word “for”.  In Merriam-Webster’s dictionary the word “for” has several meanings.  One meaning states that this word is “used as a function word to indicate purpose” and another meaning states, that this word is “used as a function word to indicate an intended goal”.  Guess what “purpose” and “intended goal” are what God has in mind for His people and the purpose and intended goal for our lives comes from Him.  He knows.  As Jeremiah 1:5 tells us, “Before I formed you in the womb, I knew you [and approved of you as My chosen instrument], And before you were born I consecrated you [to Myself as My own]; I have appointed you as a prophet to the nations.” (AMP).

God called Jeremiah a prophet before he was in his mother’s womb.  God has called others to be prophets, as well.  However, what I want to remind you is that God knows your purpose, and who He created you to be. Others can confirm your calling or purpose.  However, God is the only one who has the right answer.  What others say is only confirming what God has already told you. Ask your Heavenly Father, what He has called and designed you to be in this world. As mentioned, people can only confirm what God has already said. If it does not bear witness with your spirit, then discard it.

I cannot tell you what God has planned for you, but I can tell you it is good because

Jeremiah 29:11 reassures us that the Lord’s plans are for peace and well-being and not for disaster, and to give us a future and hope. Thank you, Jesus!

Wow isn’t it great to know that God wants the best for us? Release your control and let God guide you into your destiny.

Seasons Change - Winter 2023