Inspiration

For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the LORD, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Today’s Scripture was spoken right after the Israelites had been taken from Jerusalem as captives and settled in Babylon as exiles, unable to go home. Their whole world was turned upside down in disappointment. I’m sure they were praying for a deliverance, but God said they were going to be there for seventy years. God didn’t say, “I’m going to get you out of Babylon and back to Jerusalem so I can prosper you.” He said, “I’m going to prosper you in captivity, in disappointment, while you’re dealing with loss. But you have to take steps of faith—build houses, plant crops, marry, pursue new goals, look for opportunities. I have plans to prosper you in your difficulty.” 

Perhaps you’re facing a disappointment, a breakup, a big setback. You feel like you’re in exile and want to give up. No, get your passion back. God has plans to prosper you despite what’s going on around you. Keep believing, keep being your best, and God will take you to new levels in the midst of that challenge. 

Father, thank You that Your plans for my life, plans that are full of hope and an abundant future, are not dependent upon the situations around me. Thank You that You can prosper me through every difficulty. I believe that You are the one who is taking me to my destiny. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.