Plans To Prosper

Plans To Prosper

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

I hadn’t seen Bert, or any members of his family, for more than three years. Then he showed up one day with a form for me to sign.

“I need to have a physical for my new job,” Bert said. “I’m hoping everything checks out because it’s been a while since I was last here.”

“It has been a long time, hasn’t it?” I said, looking at his chart.

“The downturn in the economy just about did us in. We had to sell our house and rent an apartment in the low-rent section of town. I need this job. I’ve got to get my kids out of there and move them to a better school district.”

“Bert, I know this job is very important to you and to your family. And I know you’ve tasted bitter waters and survived up to this point, though I’m sure sometimes it didn’t seem like you would. But I want you to know that regardless of what this exam shows, I am confident that God has a good plan for you and for the life of your family.”

I thought about the above verse in Jeremiah and prayed that God would deliver on that promise for Bert.

During his exam, a couple of small things revealed themselves, but they were minor problems. Frankly, they were the kinds of stress-related, wear-and-tear issues I’d expect to see on anyone who’d been through what he and his family had been through for the past three years.

“There’s nothing in this exam that will keep you from getting the job,” I said. I happily signed his form.

“I promise once my new insurance kicks in, I will get the kids here for their well visits and their shots. I can’t tell you how blessed I am that God carried us through those dark times.” Bert was whistling as he walked out the door.

I wish all my patients would believe what Bert already knew to be true. God’s plans are never meant to harm or hurt us. His plans are always for our good.

TODAY’S RX

Even in our darkest hours, our heavenly Father shines his light to show us the way to the fulfillment of his promises.

Though my future is unclear, Lord, I know you are in control. Help me not to rely on my own strength and understanding, but to depend on you to lead me to pathways of healing and light.