Too good to be true. The promise of Jeremiah 29:11 can feel just too good to be true. Often spoken over another person as an encouragement to combat a disappointment or setback, the words can ring hollow when understood in their original context. That’s because God wasn’t talking about career success, dating relationships, or winning the JV soccer game. And He wasn’t addressing anyone and everyone. He was talking specifically to the people of Judah in exile. The “plans” God had involved restoring them as a nation and bringing them back from Babylon into the promised land. So unless you happen to be a sixth-century-BC Jew stuck in Mesopotamia for the duration, keep on moving—there’s nothing to see here.
In one sense, this is true. It won’t do to simply pick up a promise meant for someone else and take hold of it for ourselves or someone we love. But God has grafted all believers into His family tree of God (Ephesians 1:4–5; see also Romans 11:17). So the “future” God promised to His people in the Old Testament is now ours in Christ if we know Him, and the “hope” is bigger and better than anything we can imagine, because it is the hope of glory (Colossians 1:27), of eternal life in the presence of the King (2Peter 1:4; Revelation 21:3), and of all things being made new (Revelation 21:5).
When faced with life’s challenges, the promise we have in Jeremiah is not that everything will work out the way we want, but instead that Christ will bring good from even the darkest moments this world can dish out. And in that, there is something lasting to hold onto.
Thank you God for my hope and my future! So grateful.!
Love this ❤️
I’m so glad I have a future and hope on Christ, especially when our future on this planet is uncertain right now.
As I read this very familiar passage, I kept thinking about how God is both concerned with the Israelites’ temporal needs as well as the future hope that is coming in Christ. In the midst of this pandemic, it’s comforting to know that I can come to the Lord and ask Him for both my immediate needs and to have an eternal perspective on His coming kingdom. I also like how God says, “Build houses and live in them. Plant gardens and eat their produce…Pursue the city I have deported you too.” It just reminds me that we have a purpose here. The harvest is plentiful and there is kingdom work to be done. Come, Lord Jesus! Come and make all things new!
I like your perspective on this! Thanks for sharing
I start this morning with so much gratitude for life and the chance to give hope to others even when all seems dark. And I am so blessed by you ladies, to be able to read all of your comments and reflections!
“When faced with life’s challenges, the promise we have in Jeremiah is not that everything will work out the way we want, but instead that Christ will bring good from even the darkest moments this world can dish out. And in that, there is something lasting to hold onto.”
Yes! Hallelujah, thank God that He has a plan for us that is so much better than our own. It may not always seem that way, but He sees the whole picture while we only see what’s around us and in front of us. I sometimes have trouble letting go, surrendering and whole-heartedly trusting Him but I know that when I continue reading His Word diligently, seeking Him with my whole heart, I can rest in His promises and truth. What a comfort!
❤️
Amen well needed reminder. Thank you for this devotional every day please tell Andrea praying for her and baby.
Bessie H., I like how you stated “I am reminded I need to also be in this world, but not of it. Life is a gift from God to be treasured and used for His glory.” I hope you don’t mind if I pass that on.
Becky Kuiper praying for those around you and the essential workers is something you can do. I don’t know the age of your children but have them either make cards or a video for the elderly in area nursing homes, assisted livings, and rehab centers.
Erricka Hager, Staphanie C., and Diana Fleenor, Amen and Amen
Natalie McMahon, I hope you don’t separated from Christ because Christ and God are with you whereever you are even if you are separated from your church.
Mari V., I fully agree and am so proud of you for leaving.
Andrea Joksch, I’m praying for you and know that many times the defects heal themselves in the womb. Those that don’t in this day and age most can be dealt with by minimally evasive surgery.