I Know the Plans...

Jeremiah 29:11
It's a verse that is often used to encourage us when things aren't looking so good or when we face a next step in life. It is encouragement, but do we understand the context? Do we think this verse promises good fortune and well-being to all those that believe in Him?
God's people were in exile. They were carried out of Jerusalem, their home, into a foreign place. They were scared and weary. But God spoke to them and Jeremiah recorded His promises. Promises that after 70 years, he would restore them.
So often we wait for minutes and get defeated because God hasn't delivered us. He told His people to wait SEVENTY years! They were called to believe in the promise, knowing full well, they would not see it fulfilled but it would be their children who would see God's deliverance.
Remember, God's timing is at work here, not ours. But the promise is that if we are faithful, so will He be. The verses after verse 11 are often left out, but are actually more powerful to us in times of doubt and fear.
12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
God's promise to us today does not carry the same 70 year time-frame. It has no time frame it all. Which makes it harder sometimes to hold tight to that promise. God does not promise fame and fortune to those who believe in Him, but he does promise deliverance. We forget so often the temporary status of this life. Even if we can not be delivered from the problems of this world, we have hope in the next. And when we call on Him, He hears and He is with us. Remember, that struggles and trials are a reason to grow closer to God, to let God pull us to Him. He is still in control, and His promises are always true.

10 This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 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.12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.[b] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile."  Jeremiah 29:11