“’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.’”  (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)  This is a verse that is recited quite often.  A verse written on graduation cards and repeated to downtrodden friends when things don’t work out just right.  And there is nothing wrong with turning to Scripture in those situations, but if we look back at verse 10 it seems that hope is not always as immediate as we would like to believe.   The Lord promises deliverance, but not for 70 years.  Even by today’s terms, that’s a life sentence in exile. 

What is the longest you have had to wait for a prayer to be answered?  Are you still waiting?

But even while the Israelites waited to return to their land they were not abandoned.  Verses 12-14 (read), reassure the people that even in their waiting, God is with them and listening to them. 

How have you felt God’s reassurance even when things aren’t working out the way you hoped?

In our last few days of waiting before we celebrate out Savior’s arrival; let us remember that we are currently waiting in exile for our future glory, but in that waiting we have the constant hope that God is with us and listening.

Light the candle of Hope

Pray, “Thank you Lord for listening to all my needs and for providing me with the eternal hope of your Kingdom.  Help me to face the struggles of this life with the reassurance that comes through a relationship with Christ.  Amen.”