How is hope involved in God’s plan for me?

Jeremiah 29:11“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 is often called “the weeping prophet.” He prophesied during a painful time when God was punishing Israel for their unfaithfulness. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon took many Israelites into exile and even looted the Lord’s temple. In the midst of this, Jeremiah prophesied that the remaining Israelites, still unrepentant, would be exiled for 70 years. During these terrible times and with more sorrows on the horizon, Jeremiah prophesied these words of hope. After 70 years, Israel did return to the Promised Land—wiser, humbler, and more faithful than before. Too often, we doubt God’s care. We are tempted to think he is neglecting or forgetting us. But God, our loving Shepherd, will always guide us through the dark valleys and lead us to good pastures in the end.

Philippians 3:13-14No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

God never plans to leave his people without hope. His ultimate plan is to give us eternal life with him in heaven, where pain, sorrow, and suffering are gone forever. Hope involves an understanding of the future. Even here on earth, God delights in blessing and caring for us, not hurting us. When we follow his plans for us, we can look forward to our future with joyful anticipation.

Romans 12:12Rejoice in our confident hope. Be patient in trouble, and keep on praying.

Our greatest hope is that we will live in heaven forever with the Lord. In the meantime, he put each person on this earth for a purpose. To fulfill that purpose, we must prayerfully listen for his direction and follow where he leads.