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. (Jer. 29:11 NIV)
In my last blog, I talked about my husband’s medical condition at present. Bruce is at home now recovering from Open Heart Surgery. He is recovering well, but it is a difficult journey; physically and emotionally.
In the not too distant future, Bruce will again be faced with the challenge of another big surgery. After he recovers from the heart surgery and is considered “fit” for it, he will then be facing a Total Hip Replacement Surgery. Only God knows the timing of that one yet.
Recently, I recall thinking about our current life circumstances, and feeling very overwhelmed. These days, it seems like our life is all about physical struggles, along with the emotional challenges that come as a result. Aside from these issues in Bruce’s health, my physical issues remain as well. It can be very easy to think, “Is this all there is to life?”
Almost as quickly as that question came to my mind, I heard the Lord speak to me in His still, small voice. He reminded me of today’s Scripture.
Not everyone has physical trials to deal with like Bruce and I do, but everyone has “something” that makes life less than ideal at times.
What are your biggest challenges in life?
Have you ever given any thought to what God says about His plans for your life, despite whatever challenges you may be facing today? Through Jeremiah, God is speaking to you as much as He is to me. Romans 2:11 (NIV) says, “For God does not show favoritism.”
I used to think of prosperity as related to monetary wealth. When I was writing “Our Father: A Personal Journey of Discovery into the Lord’s Prayer,” I spent a lot of time in prayer and researching each Scripture in the book. When I researched the word “prosper” in this Scripture to learn its meaning in Hebrew, the language in which the entire Old Testament was originally written in, I discovered that its meaning was entirely different than I had thought.
Strong’s Concordance says that the word “prosper” (H7965) in Hebrew means completeness, wholeness, soundness, welfare, rest and peace. So, when God’s Word says that He plans to prosper us, this is what it means.
According to this definition, can you see evidence of prosperity in your life?
We are each on a journey toward these things. When our lives don’t appear to show much evidence of these characteristics of prosperity, it is good to remember that God’s plans for us are eternal wholeness, more than our temporary comfort. If God allows us to endure any hardship, He has a purpose for it.
In these trying times, Bruce and I are seeking God more than we may be doing if everything was going well. Being close to Him gives us peace, which is one aspect of prosperity. Living in the knowledge and peace that our lives are in His hands is irreplaceable.
By faith we know that these circumstances are temporary. As we travel a little further down life’s path, we know that all of our experiences can work together to bring us to the place that God intends for us, which is wholeness. All we need to do is keep our hand firmly in His, and follow His lead all along life’s way. “As for God, his way is perfect: The Lord’s word is flawless; he shields all who take refuge in him.” (Ps. 18:30 NIV)
My prayer is, “Father God, thank you for the plans that You have for me, and for all of Your children. When the difficulties of life are many, please help us to keep our eyes on You, and to remember Your goodness and faithfulness. May we always remember all that we have to be thankful for, even when we feel surrounded by trouble. May we continually praise Your holy name. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.
