God has a plan

A well-known verse, Jeremiah 29:11 says “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 is a promise from the Lord that we can take to the bank.  However not everyone is convinced that this promise is for them, and especially in the time we are living in right now.

There is so much uncertainty, and mandates from the government change almost daily.  We have no idea when this virus will be eradicated, or at least contained so that we can go back to normal life as it was before the virus erupted.   Suicide rates have skyrocketed and violence is prevalent on our streets.  It would be so easy not believe that God has a plan.

If you doubt that God is a God of plans, take a look at the tabernacle in the Old Testament.  He told Moses to build a sanctuary for him but he didn’t leave it with just telling him to build it, he told him exactly how down to the last detail.  He instructed him on how many boards to use, what kind of wood to use, the length and width of every board, what it should be covered with. He gave detailed instructions on every curtain: the type of thread they used to weave the material, the exact size, length and width, the color, what should be woven into the cloth, and how they were to be placed on the frame of the tabernacle.

God gave Moses exact, detailed instructions on making every piece of furniture, where they were to be placed in the tent of sanctuary and how they were to be used in worship.  Instructions were given for how each sacrifice was to be offered.

God didn’t stop there with his plans for Israel, he told them exactly how to take down the tabernacle when the cloud indicated they were to move, how it was to be transported.  When they were told to stop and set up camp again, detailed instructions were given on how to set the tabernacle up again.

Movies have been made of the Exodus and Israel marching in the desert. People are depicted roaming around willy-nilly with no sense of order, but God had instructed them on exactly how to march out of Egypt in divisions and also in what order according to their tribe they were to march when they moved from place to place at his orders.  (Numbers 1:52) Then they were told in what order by tribe they were to camp around the tabernacle. 

God is a God of detail and order, and if he gave such detailed plans to the Israelites, you can be assured that he is not scratching his head over our present circumstances.  He knows and understands exactly what is going on and yes, He has a plan!!

Jesus has promised to give us peace.  John 14:27: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you.  I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Words so appropriate for today.  You can be assured that Jeramiah 29:11 is still relevant!!  God has a plan!!!

Naomi Brinkman