Scripture for Today: 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.'”

This pencil is just a little bit different.  If you look closely, you will see that there is an eraser on both ends! This must be what I am figuratively using right now, as my own plans seem to be in a constant state of change. I know I am not alone in feeling this way. As we begin the New Year, what we could possibly plan on becomes the burning question. Not only do we write in our agendas in pencil, but we are very likely to need double the amount of eraser!  

Today’s verse reveals the Lord’s plans for His own.  He is good, merciful, loving and compassionate. It only follows that His plans are good as well. He sees the beginning and He sees the end and knows every hidden outcome. But His plans for the believer will include hard times that grow our faith and glorify Him. He erases our ideas of what is good and replaces them with what He knows is best. He is the only One who has the power and the control to do that. He is the only One I can trust to do that.

In looking back, I can see that His plans have been for the best. I do not regret His eraser. If left to myself and my own warped desires, I  am pretty sure I would have made a mess of things. His way leads to a life that is richly blessed with His presence and love. With His plans, there is always hope and an incredible future!

Lord, help me to trust Your plan for this new year!