It's Friday, gray and almost rainy. It's the conclusion of many things and the beginning of some wonderful new things. That's life in general; and that's how my personal life seems to be right now. We're winding up some things, nearing the completion of my son's senior year of high school, anticipating the beginning of some new things, and feeling surprisingly at peace in the midst of all this change.
If there's anything that I've gotten used to- it's the fact that things are always changing. The good and bad of that? New, good things can spring up like a gorgeous flower that suddenly appears. The bad thing about change: you're in a constant state of trying to internally prepare and it's hard to prepare for what you do not know, do not yet see.
I think about that favorite verse of many- in Jeremiah- that underscores what I'm dealing with currently:
Jer. 29:11 (NIV) "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."
In the Message version, we see this aspect of God's heart for His people, His concern that they KNOW what He is up to :
10-11This is God's Word on the subject: "As soon as Babylon's seventy years are up and not a day before, I'll show up and take care of you as I promised and bring you back home. I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.
I just love how the Message version singles out the underlying truth that God is expressing here: He knows what He is doing! He has "it all planned out". He's got a way for us to take. And His intention is that we KNOW He is leading us, guiding us- into the unknown, yes, but into His grace and His care and His plan as well.
For those who are in the midst of change, those who are about to graduate and go on to something new, those who are about to move or about to change roles, whatever the change is- we've got a God who knows what He is doing. Prosperity- in this case- is the full realization of God's abounding grace and provision in such a way that we can look forward, look up, and greet the future with a sense of adventure and awe. Because what God has in mind is, ultimately, good.
5 comments:
Lauren - I am a lurker on your blog. I always enjoy your insight and honesty about life. I can relate to the change your are talking about. Noone is leaving our house for college, but we've had a job change this year, a sitter change twice, a child with broken bones four times and summer, well, we never know what the summer will hold for us, but He does. Thanks for your words.
Glad you said "hello" with your comment! :)
change can be scary but is a necessary part of life I guess. Great post.
As always, a word in due season for me. God is so good! He uses you, Lauren. Thank you for your obedience in writing.
{sigh} Thank you Thank you Thank you !!
just what I needed :)
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