“‘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 hope and a future.’”—Jeremiah 29:11

A beautiful verse that many find comfort when going through a trial. In it’s Old Testament context, this is what God promised for His chosen people, the Israelites, while they were in exile in Babylon. To remind them that He will never forsake them, and that they will return and be restored to their land in the future. A promise indeed of hope for a future.

Did you get that? This verse was for God’s chosen people! Today under the New Covenant, God’s people—His children, are those who have accepted His Son, Jesus Christ as Lord & Savior—the church. Not that we have replaced the Israelites as God’s chosen people; but rather we are grafted into God’s original plan—to bring His people back to Him. Back to Him in heaven through His Son, Jesus Christ.

For Christians today, this verse reflects the promise of being restored to Him here today, and when we pass from this earth. For the non-believer, it’s a call to know the Planner of All Things—God Himself, through Jesus Christ, so they too can be part of God’s plan.

This verse isn’t so much about promises of a pay raise, a promotion, a future spouse, a house, better health, etc. Many have incorrectly applied this verse in this manner. They put themselves at the center; thinking that God’s plan is for their worldly prosperity. If that were the case, God’s promise of this plan would have been broken a billion times over. I mean, look at John the Baptist, he was beheaded. The apostle Peter was crucified upside down. Stephen was stoned to death. The apostle Paul was likely beheaded. The list goes on and on. Some plan, huh!?

See, God’s plan for believers ultimately is about His promise to restore us back to Him through Jesus Christ, so we can spend eternity with Him in heaven. To restore what was broken in the Garden of Eden when Adam & Eve ushered in sin into a then perfect world. Restoration has always been the plan. Why? Because He loves us! It has never changed, and never will, as long as humanity remains. That we may prosper in love as servants to the King of kings in heaven! That’s the hope and future we look forward to. Thank you, Jesus!

So, are you part of God’s plan? Have you accepted Jesus Christ as your Lord & Savior so you can be restored to God?

“Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.”—Proverbs 19:21