Reflections on Jeremiah 29:11

"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.” Jeremiah 29:11

My mom in the fabulous '80's

My mother loves Jesus. When I was a little girl, she would kneel beside my bed with me and pray thanks that He sacrificed Himself on the cross for us, forgiving and cleansing and freeing.

And as she's grown older, she has dedicated the last couple of decades in ministry to younger moms, sometimes at the expense of lunch dates and bunco games with her peers who largely tend to pursue those activities. God has blessed her for the years she's poured into young moms; I regularly hear from the girls whose lives she's touched about how much she means to them.

Recently my mom wrote a small piece for the young moms group at her church where she serves as a mentor. I asked if I could share it here, because the wisdom of Christian women who are ahead of us on the path is priceless.

Our celebration of Christmas has just passed and we are beginning to think about the coming year.  Have you begun to consider plans for the new year, as in resolutions or making lists of hopes and intentions? 

It has been said that failing to plan is planning to fail. Goals and plans are good, but when we focus on them too much we are apt to remove God and His timing and leading from the equation.  We all like things to go smoothly and as we have planned. 

But as we enter the new year we need to be aware that unexpected things may intervene and our best laid plans can go awry.  These unexpected events and situations are generally deemed to be problems to us.  However, as Corrie Ten Boom said, "God has no problems, only plans."  When our plans and our agendas are interrupted, His are not!  Whatever happens He is orchestrating circumstances for our spiritual maturity. 

Romans 12:2 confirms that, "....the plan of God for you is good, meets all His demands and moves towards the goal of true maturity."  You probably already know from past experiences that having young children can almost assuredly adjust your plans when illnesses and unexpected circumstances thwart your ideal. 

Resolve now, as you make plans for the months in the coming new year to trust our Sovereign God with not only your overall plans, but with your everyday moments and your daily schedule.  He cares for you and loves you with His everlasting love!   

Thanks, Mom.

Last year, my mom raised money for a playground to be built in Israel. That's my nephew trying out the equipment and my mom, pleased as punch to see that the children there have a safe place to play.