
A Planting of Faith Seeds for the Glory of the LORD
God’s plans includes you…
You may already know that one of my “life anchor” verses, one I’ve used many times in my writings is Jeremiah 29:11, “I say this because I know what I am planning for you,” says the Lord. “I have good plans for you, not plans to hurt you. I will give you hope and a good future.” (Jeremiah 29:11, NCV) As powerful and as important as its message is at the same time it is as fragile as a candle’s flame because to believe in it and step that first step into the unmentioned plans of God is a step into the unseen.
At first we may get the impression God is telling us instead of placing faith in our own plans is to place our faith in his plans. And that would be the thing to do except for one thing the verse does not tell us what God’s plans are. God desires we exercise faith (the faith he gives us) in him and him alone, not in his plans nor in his blessings.
How many times have you prayed something like this, “God, the plans I had for my life are not working out please reveal the plans you have for my life.” I am not sure how many times I have asked God to reveal his plans for my life and have gotten no response but it’s been more that once I can assure you. I am so glad God has been patient with me and over the years has continued to teach me to rely solely on him. As foundational and important as Jeremiah 29:11 is to me it cannot and must not be separated from verse 13. As we exercise faith ONLY IN GOD we have this promise, “You will search for ME. And when you search for ME with all your heart, you will find ME!” (Jeremiah 29:13, NCV, emphasis mine)
But that’s not all! We are, each of us an important part of God’s unrevealed plans for our lives the support and encouragement we can give each other on our faith journey is vital. Many times we wonder why church participation is important and we may say to ourselves, “They don’t need me at church I can’t do anything anyway.” What we need to remember is that it is not what we do that counts it’s our presence that is vital. What we do for each other comes secondary. According to the Apostle Paul everyone (and that includes YOU) is an important part of God’s plan. “I mean that I want us to help each other with the faith we have. Your faith will help me, and my faith will help you.” (Romans 1:12, NCV)
Believe it! Experience it!
Grace and PEACE!
Gary
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
“Keep your roots deep in him and have your lives built on him. Be strong in the faith, just as you were taught, and always be thankful.” (Colossians 2:7, NCV)
“Keep your roots deep in him and have your lives built on him. Be strong in the faith, just as you were taught, and always be thankful.” (Colossians 2:7, NCV)
Note: Should you want to go back and review this Glory Seed or if you’d like to subscribe so you can receive them in your email you can do so by clicking on this link: http://gloryseeds.wordpress.com/.
"Scriptures marked NCV are quoted from The Holy Bible, New Century Version, copyright © 1987, 1988, 1991 by Word Publishing, Dallas, Texas 75039. Used by permission."