“For I know the plans I have for you…” – GOD
READ
Jeremiah 29:11-14
REFLECT
Where do you see yourself in five years? Where do you see your training? Your family life? Your career, education, and finances? These are tough questions for some of us, but others have very well-defined goals. No matter where we are in the process, our goals give us a glimpse of our vision for the future. Have you ever considered how God sees your future? What is His vision for your life? Today’s passage gives us a snapshot of God’s vision for His people. What are the key components to that vision?
1- Vision of Safety – God has plans “for our welfare.” This reminds us He has our best interest in mind as we move through life. No matter what we see in today’s circumstances, God is able to work them for good (Romans 8:28).
2- Vision of Hope – God has plans to give us a tangible reward. When we lack in faith our attention has moved from God’s eternal vision to the inferior rewards this life offers. Money and fame can only offer promises that give us hope in this life. God wants to give us something much greater (Philippians 1:21-23).
3- Vision of Acceptance – God is pursuing a relationship with us. He envisions a way for us to belong with our Creator and never lack in communication. He sees a place where we can speak to Him “face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12).
The most important thing to understand is God KNOWS these plans. We can have this same assurance as we see God’s vision lived in the life of Jesus. Through the cross He provided safety, hope, and acceptance. And, through His resurrection we will see all three components of this vision confirmed.
“Not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me his own.” (Philippians 3:12)
RESPOND
1- Write a brief description of where you would like to see your life in five years, including all major areas of life.
2- What are your top five goals?
3- Evaluate your description according to the components of God’s vision in Jeremiah. Does your description include true safety, hope, and acceptance? Or does it lead to false security, false hopes, and false ways of finding acceptance?
4- Ask God to give you clarity to seek His vision above your own.
