A good friend gave me a card this week with my favorite text, Jeremiah 29:11, on the front. It was exactly what I needed at that moment, because I was feeling pretty discouraged. I’d just learned another friend, who I was really looking forward to working with on a special project, was not going to be able to join me. The card’s gentle reminder that God is in control came at just the right time to lift me from my disappointment.
We all face discouragements and setbacks in our lives. A job falls through, a friend moves away, a spouse disappoints. As the Scottish poet Robert Burns wrote,
The best laid schemes of Mice and Men oft go awry
And leave us nothing but grief and pain,
For promised joy!
In times like these it is easy to lose our trust in God, but it is then we must cling to Him all the more, knowing “that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)
Remember we have a Heavenly Father who “directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” (Psalm 37:23). He promises, “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.” (Jeremiah 29:11).
In the book Ministry of Healing, p. 479, we find this wonderful promise:
God never leads His children otherwise than they would choose to be led, if they could see the end fro m the beginning and discern the glory of the purpose which they are fulfilling as co-workers with Him.
We may not always understand why setbacks and disappointments occur, but no matter what happens we can trust God to do what’s best for us. After all He “did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will he not also, along with him, graciously give us all things?” (Romans 8:32).
Today, no matter what comes your way, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:4-6). God knows what He’s doing. Put your hand in His today and let Him lead you into a bright new future full of hope.
God bless and have a wonderful Sabbath!