He has plans to prosper you

Over 30 years ago I was contemplating my plans for the future while helping a dear Brother in the Lord do some minor repairs around the house. Nothing serious was moving in my applications for jobs in Canada or the US. At a Monday night College and Career Bible Study at Stone Church, Toronto, I got my direction through this passage and some other information God placed there that night. And so within a week I bought my one way ticket to Malaysia. That was a significant move for me as a 23 year old.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.

The move to Babylon was probably quite significant for the people of Judah that were taken captives and there was great uncertainty as to when they could eventually return to their homeland. Jeremiah was clear. Be ready to stay for a while. You are going to stay in Babylon for a bit.

Just like the people of Judah, God can take us into seemingly bad conditions, but it is for a good plan and purpose. Refer to verse 11. This was the era of Daniel and many others that excelled in the kingdom and brought great acclaim to the Lord in this kingdom, and I believe the regions beyond. After verse 11 God goes on to promise the following.

Jeremiah 29:12-14

Then you will call upon Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me, when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found by you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity; I will gather you from all the nations and from all the places where I have driven you, says the Lord, and I will bring you to the place from which I cause you to be carried away captive.

Father, let me treat every move (forced or otherwise) as your way of fulfilling your wonderful purposes in me and my family. The adventure continues!

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