[from YouVersion Bible Plan: # Do our LABELS define US? by Amy Gilmore]
Scripture
Jeremiah 29:11
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.
Some things are clearly mysteries. Who left the almost empty milk carton in the fridge? Where’s the TV remote? What did I do with my phone? My keys?! What’s that weird smell coming from your room? And, what on earth am I here for – no really, like what’ my purpose? That’s a heavy question.
It’s easy to get stuck in a circle of crazy questions centered on your purpose.
How do I know my purpose? Why can’t “his” or “her” purpose be my purpose? What if my life doesn’t have a purpose? A few questions turn in to a tornado of self inquiries, and before long you’re wondering down a lonely road filled with potholes of doubt and hopelessness. You’re tripped up and trapped by your thoughts, sometimes momentarily believing these thoughts are true….”Your life really doesn’t have meaning.” “You’re pretty much useless.” “You have no purpose.”
Those are ALL LIES.
God asks us to trust Him. When the milk carton is empty, the remote or keys are MIA, you don’t even want to know where the stink came from, and yes, even when you can’t find your phone – God says, you can trust Him. But seriously, when you aren’t even sure what your purpose or point on the planet is, God says, “Trust Me.”
God knows the plan and purpose for your life. He knows the questions and doubts you have about who are and who you’re supposed to be. And what your Creator keeps telling you through all these questions, fears, and doubts – “Trust Me.”
He knows the plans laid out for you better than anyone else – even you – and those plans are great! It doesn’t mean everything always turns out like a fairy tale or you’ll be rich, but it does mean, as a child of God, you know God is always with you and one day you will be with Him, face-to-face. Think on that! In that moment, that face-to-face Jesus moment, all things will be right. Just, wow.
Your purpose is found through trusting God and faithfully believing He always knows your plan and purpose. When doubt sneaks in, replace it with truth, like that found in Proverbs 3:5-6 reminding us to “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your paths straight” (ESV).
Reflection & Application:
Think of areas in your life that you have doubts about and pray about them. Share those with God in a conversation (like your talking to a friend) and ask for His guidance. He loves you and wants you to proper and have a hopeful future.
Prayer:
Father God, Thank you for creating me with a plan and purpose. Help me to trust you in all I do. In Jesus’ powerful name – Amen!