Does God have a Plan for You?

 


Misuse of Jer. 29:11

 

Introduction

Have you ever had this happen to you? You go through life and a string of negative things take place. And when you feel really low about your current situation, someone will come along and say something like, “Don’t worry, God has a plan for you!”

Although God does have a plan, this is not what they mean. They make it sound like He has something in the works specifically for you and no one else. The verse, from scriptures, that they connect to this is Jeremiah 29:11, which says, For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. (RSV) Is this what the prophet was talking about?

 

Out of Context


As we stated, this is a sentiment given to those who are at a “low” in their life; laid off from work, in between jobs, a crisis at home, or tragedy within the family.

Sometimes it might be encouragement for those arriving at the next step in their life; graduating college, new job, a promotion, or recently married. Either way, this verse is given and they make it sound like a daytime talk show host giving away something to their audience: You get a plan, YOU get a plan, everyone that is in the audience will get a plan!!


This all sounds great but when you isolate this verse, you give the impression that God is giving you health, wealth, and prosperity. Naturally, everyone would like that but it’s called, The American Dream. Can you honestly use this verse to those who are Christians in third world countries? People who are just as faithful to God but barely have food in their stomachs and a roof over their head? Does this apply to them as well? The answer is NO! Then, what does this verse really mean?

 

In Context

     This encouragement is given to an entire group not an individual. Verses 10 and 14 give you the answer, 10. 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… 14. I will be found by you, says the LORD, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the LORD, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.

This passage; verses 10-14, is encouragement to the Israelites during the time of Babylonian captivity. Jeremiah, the prophet of God was telling them that although things look bleak right now, it will get better. They were still His children and, although they would spend 70 years in captivity, they will return to their own land after it is over.

You will notice that verse 11 (shown above) is from the Revised Standard Version of the bible. All other translations use “peace” instead of “wealth”. This is about physical and spiritual salvation; returning to their own land. It’s not about material blessings at all.

 

Conclusion



But God does have a plan for you, and for me, and for everyone on this planet. However, it’s the exact same plan for everyone; not specifically designed for any one individual. That plan is the Plan of Salvation. I’ve posted it many times before and, for the benefit of anyone who hasn’t read it, I’ll post it here now…

Hear the Word of God (Rom. 10:17)

Believe Jesus is the Son of God (John 8:24)

Confess Jesus is the Son of God (Rom. 10:9-10)

Repent of your sins (Acts 2:38)

Become baptized to wash away your sins (Acts 22:16)

Live Faithfully even unto Death (Rev. 2:10)

Start your new life as a Christian by being obedient to God’s word (Mt. 7:21). If you have any questions, comments, or would like further study, feel free to post them here.

Comments

  1. Nancy MyersApril 12, 2021 at 2:15 PM

    Great article Chris! I’ve seen this used out of context.

    ReplyDelete

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