He Knows Our Plans: Part One

Date: Feb. 21, 2008

Greetings friends,

Recently, I have been reading the book, "Liberating Your Ministry From The Success Syndrome", by Kent and Barbara Hughes. I have been so successful in my life, that I wanted to know why (kidding). It is my second reading because I don't always get it the first time. It is another book Kevin gave me that God has used in my life to encourage me. It has given me hope, vision, direction, and identified my continual need to fall into the embrace of His grace.

Early in the ministry of Kent Hughes, he received a verse from a godly man that was a tremendous encouragement to him. The verse is Jeremiah 29:11. It says, "For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans for welfare and not for calamity, to give you a future and a hope." That verse is packed with meaning and significance. I know you might have heard it before, but have you been captured by the scope of its hope and blessing?

In Jeremiah 29:11, it was a promise that was first given to the Jews at the beginning of their 70 years of Babylonian captivity. I don't know what you are going through, but I am not planning on being in captivity for the next 70 years! Thank the Lord! God wrote Jeremiah 29:11 to encourage them to be faithful. Though the principle was given long ago, it applies for you and me today as followers of Christ. It addresses the nagging questions we periodically ask in life. How do I remain faithful? Where do I derive comfort in life? How can I get confidence in God? How do I know which decisions to make when the way seems foggy? If God says He will guide me, why does the windshield of my life look so smudged? Those are fair questions. What we do know is that God loves faithfulness. Not perfection but faithfulness. Look with me at Jeremiah 29 and explore some encouraging answers God has for us.

Notice in Jeremiah 29:11 that His plans are known plans. God has not a limited, but an exhaustive plan for you and me. "For I know the plans I have for you..." It suggests that He knows the plans and I don't know the plans. I know some plans, but He knows all of the plans for my life perfectly. Hughes writes, "Though the plans for our lives are unknown to us, they are perfectly known and hidden in Him." In Isaiah 55:9, the prophet writes, "As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts." Even though God's ways are inscrutable to us, He has made no mistakes with your life. He knows exactly, precisely what He is doing. My confusion about certain things, doesn't nullify His perfect comprehension of things. My feelings of distrust, should not trump His trustworthiness. Did God know what He was doing at the beginning of the Babylonian Captivity? Did He know how to handle and care for His confused and tattered people? Does God our Father really understand the questions you and I have in life? Will He remain in charge if our candidate doesn't get elected? God knows, and He says with love, "I know the plans I have for you." His plans are known to Him. They are exhaustive and they are loving. His plans for you are perfect and they are full of grace. His plans for you cover every sliver, every detail of your life. If God knows the plans, and He has planned the plans, then embrace His love and control over your plans. Confess your unwarranted worry. Tell Him you are sorry for not trusting such an all-wise God. Receive His great grace and forgiveness. Live in the power of His Spirit today. Remember, he knows your plans and you are precious to His heart. Quote Jeremiah 29:11 in your mind. Let it breed confidence in your soul, and commitment in your steps.

Have a wonderful Thursday,
He knows your name and your plans,