By Pastor Steve Nickodemus

Is There a Plan?

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“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 a hope and a future.”
Jeremiah 29:11 New International version

I wonder if snails get discouraged.  So far to go, so slow to get there.  I wonder if they despair that they will ever get to the end of their destination and if they are tempted to give up.  This snail that I met did not seem to be discouraged, for just a few minutes later, when I passed by, he had continued to make his slow but steady progress.

Do you get discouraged!  Does the road seem too long and the pace seem too slow?  Do you despair and are you tempted to give up? And especially, do you feel all alone in this unfriendly world?

The Lord has a word for all those who are despairing… “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future.”  These are words spoken to an exiled, beaten down, guilt ridden Israel 2,500 years ago, yet very applicable to you and me.  That in the midst of a hostile world, our deep confusion, and our own sinful inclinations, God has a plan for us. plans for you.  A plan for good, a plan to prosper you, a plan to give you hope, a plan to give you a future.

And we know that His Word is sure, for the seal of His own Son, our Lord Jesus, is upon that Word.  We are not left to our own despair, but God’s Holy Spirit is there for every believer.  You have a Comforter, a Counselor, a constant Companion.

The journey may seem too long and the progress too slow, but God has a plan for you.  And He will bring it to completion at just the right time in your life…. Amen!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church Colorado Springs, Colorado