“I know the plans I have for you,” announces the LORD. “I want you to enjoy success. I do not plan to harm you. I will give you hope for the years to come.
If you like action movies, you may remember watching Harrison Ford poised on the edge of a cliff in his quest for the Ark of the Covenant. He knew that in order to reach his ultimate goal, he needed to take a step of faith, a step that could ultimately cause him to plummet thousands of feet. Closing his eyes, he lifts his foot and slowly takes the plunge, only to find a solid path before him. Suddenly there is a bridge, where before there was nothing.
Jeremiah 29:11 is our bridge. It gives us the hope we need to step off the cliff. If we truly trust God will do what He says in His Word, then we can step boldly and trust Him to place our feet on a solid path.
Here's the tricky part. Take a look again at how the verse begins. I know the plans...it doesn't say we know the plans. God, in His infinite wisdom, knows our future. Many times He doesn't see fit to tell us what His plans are. He says "Go" and expects us to follow. That can be a scary thing to say the least. How often I have wished He would give me even a glimpse into the future. I wonder though if I could handle it? If I knew what was coming down the road, would I turn and run the other way? Would I be willing to walk forward in faith if I knew I would be forced to step out over a cliff?
We moved to Texas because God said "Go!". We don't know why He moved us here. We may never know. I can see some doors He has opened and opportunities He has given us that give me a small glimpse, but we may never see the whole picture. The exciting part comes from the rest of Jeremiah 29. We are trusting in a God who wants only the best for us. Who's plans are for our good and not to our detriment. Now that's not to say stepping out to follow His command has been a piece of cake. Far from it. But we know there is blessing in obedience. He may not see fit to show us His plan, but we trust Him just the same.
What are you trusting God for today? What has He asked you to do that has left you uncomfortable or even down right scared? Maybe your standing on the precipice, toes curled over the edge, terrified to let go. Let me encourage you to take that leap today and follow where He leads. He'll be there to catch you and to set your feet on firm ground.
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