Jeremiah 29:11 is a very well-known verse in the Bible. This verse of encouragement lets you know that God’s plans for your life are active and personal.
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
We must read this verse in the context in which it is written. If we don’t, we can allow ourselves to become misled. Look at God’s promise in the next verse.
In those days when you pray, I will listen. Jeremiah 29:12
Those days? What days? To see what the Lord is talking about, we must look at the preceding verse.
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
The Israelites had already been exiled to Babylon. Because of their sin, they were taken into bondage by the Babylonians for 70 years. Their punishment consisted of having to leave the land that God gave them as an inheritance. They were going to be there for an entire generation, so here are God’s instructions.
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! Jeremiah 29:5-6
We know that God had wonderful plans for his people. So why were they taken out of the land that God promised them? To answer the question, it wasn’t God’s doing. He knew what his plans were for them. It was they who decided to go astray and worship other gods.
God is Patient
The Israelites failed by worshipping other gods. That is an activity that the God of the universe won’t stand for. Because He is a patient God, here’s what He said.
In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,” says the Lord. Jeremiah 29:12-14
I will end your captivity and restore your fortunes. I will gather you out of the nations where I sent you and will bring you home again to your own land. Jeremiah 29:14
Are God’s plans for your life on hold? Is there something in the way of what His plans are for you? He is ready, but He is also patient. His plans for you are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Lord, I know that you have plans for my life. Thank you for your patience as you help me to obediently grow in you.
The Israelites angered God and spent 70 years in bondage.
Take some time to read all of Jeremiah 29.
This is an updated post originally published on Christian Perspectives
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