Too often, we want to tell God how to fulfill His part of the covenant relationship. We want to tell Him how He should take care of us since we are His people. That’s His jurisdiction, not ours. We pick out our favorite verses, like 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.” I love this promise. But look at the context again. This was part of the letter written to the exiles in Babylon. God had hope and a future for them - after 70 years in captivity. I’m sure there were some of God’s people who died in Babylon before those 70 years were up. Does that mean their future is lost? No, it’s a matter of perspective. It’s not about this life. It’s about life in God’s kingdom. Hebrews 11:13-14 talks about us being strangers and aliens here. Don’t hold on so tightly to this life. It’s not about this life.
Don’t lose heart. “Our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all” (2 Corinthians 4:17). As Paul told Timothy: “Endure hardship with us like a good soldier of Christ Jesus” (2 Timothy 2:3). Those hard times are going to come, but God is walking with you.
I hope that you have been using your eyes more than I have. I hope that you haven’t tripped over too many appointments and object lessons that God has arranged to show you how very much He loves you. But, even if you have, I’d say there’s a good chance He has quite a few more in the works. Next time we meet, I hope you will share with me some of the appointments you’ve had and how you’ve seen God’s hand in your life.