BLACK PR WIRE) (February 16, 2009)Many of us relish those special scriptures that encourage us from time to time, especially when we are being challenged in certain areas of our lives. One of my personal favorites is Jeremiah 29:11, which states “For I know the thoughts that I think towards you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

For years, I hung onto every word in that scripture because to me, it represented the hope of God for my life. I knew that verse inside/out and upside/down, and when experiencing dark moments, I would reach deep and rehearse that verse over and over in my mind until I gradually began to pull up out of my rut by faith.

As I began to mature in Christ, I quickly came to the realization that it is so very important to read the bible versus preceding and following a particular scripture, because often times, it is those versus that contain specific instructions on how to obtain from God the very thing which you are seeking.

If you read the entire 29th Chapter of Jeremiah, the Lord is speaking to the children of Israel about the fact that he has promised to return them to Israel, the Promised Land from Babylon. Verse 12 makes it very clear that then, at that point, they would call upon him and come and pray to Him and He promised to listen to them.

Jeremiah 29:13 further states “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.” Then, Jeremiah 29:14 sums it all up by stating,” I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and I will bring you back from captivity. I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declare the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile.”

Isn’t it comforting to know that as descendents of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the same promises hold true for believers in Christ? No matter how dark the days may be or during those times when we feel that we are floundering and unsure of the direction for our lives, there are a God who knows just where we are and ever so gently, through prayer, places us back on His course for our lives. Be assured that He does know our very beginning from our ending and the plans that he has for each and every one of his beloved children.


Seeking God’s will for Your Life

wait for the Lord. Be strong and take heart. Wait for the Lord. Psalms 27:14

but if we are hope for what we do not have, we wait for it patiently. In the same way, the Spirit helps us with our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express. Romans 8:25-26

so do not throw away your confidence, it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised. Hebrews 10:35-36

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you. Psalm 32:8

is joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18

whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, “This is the way; walk in it.” Isaiah 30:21

do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is- his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:2

therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is. Ephesians 5:17