“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the LORD, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”
Jeremiah 29:11 (NKJV)
As we’ve seen in this mini series, there was a backstory behind Jeremiah 29:11. Yes, we confess it. Yes, we lean on it for comfort when we feel anxious about the future or uncertain about God’s plan. We remind ourselves that He has thoughts for us, thoughts of good and not of evil, to give us a hope and a future. And that word truly does comfort our hearts.
But as I like to remind you, the people living this story were real people. They were human. They lived the reality of Scripture while we now read their experience from a distance. So picture yourself there for a moment. You were in that same house of worship when Hananiah stood up and prophesied that in two full years God would deliver you. You were there when Jeremiah said, “Amen, may the LORD do so,” but also warned that the true mark of a prophet is that the word comes to pass. You were still there when Hananiah doubled down and broke the yoke off Jeremiah’s neck to prove his point. And you were there when Jeremiah said:
‘For thus says the Lord : After seventy years are completed at Babylon, I will visit you and perform My good word toward you, and cause you to return to this place. ‘ -Jeremiah 29:10
Sounds Like God?
If you are listening with human ears, the second word sounds worse—two years versus seventy years. If we are honest, most of us would lean toward the two-year promise. That sounds like the kind of word we expect from a good God. A God who comforts quickly. A God who rescues fast. A God who does not allow prolonged suffering.
And yet, God had already spoken. His good plan was 70 years in captivity. How can that be? You might ask. How can God’s thoughts be good when I am in suffering? How can His plans be for my good when I am in this uncomfortable season? Where is good in this? You may encounter situations that may trigger these questions. But trusting God’s plan, even when it is bitter, is always better than trusting a lie.
Good is Good
Sometimes we believe words because they fit what we already want. Sometimes we go to God’s word looking for confirmation of our own desires instead of accepting and submitting to His word. But God is not speaking to fit your thinking. He is speaking His purpose.
And yes, sometimes His word hurts. Sometimes it separates you from people, opportunities, or seasons you wanted to keep. Sometimes what you thought was the enemy was actually God doing necessary work. And when you come out on the other side, you realise that if you had not gone through it, you would not be standing where you are now.
Beloved,
A false word may sound good. It may promise quick relief. But a lie has no good end. A lie only exposes you to fear, danger, and disappointment. God did not lie when He said His thoughts toward you are good. The only plan that will truly work for your good is the one He authored. Even when it is difficult at the beginning, it is the only one that leads to life. And if it hurts, God is faithful to bind your wounds, heal your heart, and bring you to the future He has promised.
Prayer
Father, help me to choose Your good plan, no matter how it sounds and feels. I know you know what’s best for me because, before you formed me, you knew me, and all the days of my life were already written before I was born. Even when Your truth is difficult, help me to trust You fully. I believe that Your thoughts toward me are good and not evil. I place my future in Your hands. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Bible Reading for Today
Morning: Jeremiah 28
Evening: Jeremiah 29
