i know the plans i have for you!

I know the plans I have for you!
“For I know the plans I have for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me... and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jer.29:11-13) Amid all the challenges in our lives today, these encouraging words from Jeremiah are timeless. In his day as God’s children prepared to go into exile, many of them were filled with fear and doubt. Yet God reassured them that He already was looking ahead to their restoration. Instead of being afraid or worried, God wanted them to simply go on with their lives. To build homes, plant gardens. To marry and have children. To raise families, “increased in number there; do not decrease.” The fact is, Babylon had been their adversary for years, but God wanted them to have a change of attitude. To seek peace in their lives, even amid hardship and exile. And they were to pray for it. God promised that He knew where they were going, that He had not abandoned them. In fact, He would give them “a future and a hope.” Even amidst the unknown while in exile, God encouraged them to call upon Him, promising to listen. But God also told them there was a condition: They had to seek Him with their whole heart. Friends, as God's children, we need to hear and heed these words today as never before. God’s words of comfort and assurance are still true. We can all look at our lives today and see uncertainty and confusion, doubt and hopelessness all around us. The fact is, and always has been, none of us know what will happen tomorrow, but God does. He is our loving Father and He knows the plans that He has for each of us! And He wants to “prosper” us, protect us and give us “hope and a future.” So, what’s our role? Simply to seek Him, not half-heartedly but “with all our heart.” Child of God, humble yourself before the Lord and fully surrender to His mercies, thank Him for all your blessings and His promise to provide and protect, He will not leave or forsake us. Seek Him in prayer daily for our leaders and struggling co-workers, pray for our company and our country. Make a new commitment this day to seek Him with your whole heart! “For I know the plans I have for you... plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” God's promises are kept when we’re obedient to His word, regardless of the ever-changing circumstances of our lives.  
Grace and peace always,
Fr. Greg

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