“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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity.”

                                   Jeremiah 29:11-14

           The Bible is the word of hope for us in these dark times.  These particular verses gave me comfort when I was struggling in my walk with God.  I used to think that verse thirteen “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart,” went like,” If you seek me you will find me if you seek me with all of your heart.”  With the way I thought it went it sounded like it was up to me to make sure my walk with GOD was fruitful, whereas in what the verse really says, if you’re a Christian, the fruitfulness is promised.  Even though we will go through some desert times, when they have passed we will be more mature and complete.  This is also true for persecution, which brings me to this verse:

          Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.      

                                               James 1:2-4

            I believe that we are just starting to head into some very difficult times. Not just economic struggles but also spiritual.  But when we are confronted with trials, we should remember these verses, and the One who caused them to be written.