God’s Plans Are Perfect by Jodi Kinasewitz
For I know the plans I have for you’, declares the Lord, ‘plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Jeremiah 29:11
Given our current state of affairs, I think it’s safe to say there is a collective heaviness weighing on us all. A shroud of bleakness that may leave us wondering ‘Why, God?’
Sister, I am here to tell you: He wastes nothing.
His plans are perfect.
God promises us hope and a future in Him.
Up until recent years, I never questioned God’s plans for my life. Before the summer of 2017, I had never experienced significant struggle or sorrow and never had reason to doubt God’s promises of restoration in the midst of troubles. Then came the beginning of my personal “exiles”. I was thrown into a relentless battle with anxiety and depression. Fighting my way through this mental health struggle made me aware of how desperately I need Jesus. That season of darkness was also when my faith and love for Jesus grew more than at any other time in my life.
Almost exactly a year later, the unwavering faith I found in Him is what carried me through the devastating death of my dad. God cares about my future, and His character and heart were displayed in those events.
I was never promised a life without trouble, but I was promised the presence of a loving, compassionate, and merciful God.
His loving character continued to see me through other challenging times - a new job, a worldwide pandemic, and sending my firstborn off to college. Much like He did with the people of Judah, I now understand God uses troublesome times to remind me how I am to live, even in times of “exile”. Because life had mostly been “smooth sailing” for me, I had become complacent in my faith, and I was powering through my days in a self-sufficient manner. I was withering, in a spiritual sense, due to all the striving and performing that were done in isolation from God. Through these troublesome times, I began to doubt God’s plans. Then I remembered, He had never failed or disappointed me before, why did I think He would let me down now?
Through these tumultuous times, God refined, renewed, and restored me. I no longer strive toward my earthly desires; I live more surrendered and trust the story God has written for me. After all, His plans are perfect. The trials I have endured in recent years were always a part of His plan. He knew He would walk with me. In fact, He carried me through the fires, but He did not allow them to consume me. I love and serve a God who cares about my future and who restores me in the midst of my exiles. I am radiant because of His love for me and His perfect plan for my life.
Prayer:
Lord, thank you for the good and perfect plans you have for our lives. No matter our circumstances, may we cling to the hope of your promises.
Dig Deeper:
Jeremiah 29:12-13, ESV As Christians, we find comfort in knowing God promises to be there for us in all situations. All we need to do is seek Him. In the verses following Jeremiah 29:11, God proclaims, “Call upon me and come and pray to me, I will hear you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (Jeremiah 29:12-13, ESV).
Discussion Questions:
1. What uncertainties or doubts are you facing? Reflect on difficult times in your life.
2. How did God show up for you, and what does this tell you about His loving plan to give you a future and hope?
About Jodi Kinasewitz
Teacher & Writer
Jodi lives in Mason, Ohio, with her husband of 20 years Matt, their four children, and their yellow lab. She is an elementary-level reading specialist and a certified yoga instructor. She is passionate about leading Christian-inspired yoga classes, reading, and writing. She loves to travel with her family, and she spends any time she can outdoors. Jodi’s prayer is that her writing will point others to Jesus.
