I had something different planned for today’s post, but it has really been on my heart today to be thankful for God’s plan.
It goes without saying that yesterday was a big day for our country. Election days should be big days, really. The privileges we have to vote and choose our leaders has come with a high price tag and none of us should take that for granted. It seems that this election season was highly tense and divides seem higher than ever, just in my observation. I saw a status on Facebook yesterday that included a wish for America to be like we were on September 12, 2001 – united. While no one would wish for a catastrophe to bring that to fruition, clearly, I think that is a sentiment that many of us share. I wish we were not so divided. I wish we were truly the UNITED States of America, as well as a nation under God. And, maybe we will be again one day.
In all of this, I keep coming back to one of my all-time favorite and most comforting passages of Scripture – Jeremiah 29:11. I knew when I went to bed last night without knowing election results that no matter what the outcome, God has a plan. I knew that, assuming I woke up this morning, and I did, that God would still be on the throne and that His plan will prevail. See, it doesn’t matter who is president and it does not matter which amendments pass or fail. We fixate on these things because, yes, they mean something to us in the here and now, but, in the grand scheme, let’s not lose sight of the fact that God has got this. Before any of us so much as walked into a voting booth, God knew the outcome. So, what we need to do is pray for His guidance, wisdom and mercy upon the outcome. The bottom line is this – whether or not “your guy” won the election, it’s done now. The decision has been made. So, if you celebrate today, celebrate prayerfully for the leader of this nation. If you are disappointed today, pray for the leader of this nation. Pray and realize that God knew all of this before any of us were twinkles in our mother’s eye. This isn’t a surprise to Him and He has a sovereign plan for each and every one of us. Trust that.
I don’t mean for this to come across as some sort of sermon. Heaven knows, I’m not fit for that. When I dole out advice here, it’s as much for myself as anyone. I can’t even begin to tell how many times I’ve sought comfort in the words of that favorite Jeremiah passage. And, it’s not just a passage for when things don’t seem right either, it’s a great reminder and encouragement for every day life. While the focus is typical on verse 11, I also love the two verses that follow. Check this out: “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. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:11-13) How awesome of a promise is THAT? It does my heart good, y’all. That’s as plain as it gets for me. That’s good news and we can all use good news whether we are celebrating on this day or feeling downhearted.
Today, I encourage all of us to remember and focus on the fact that God has a plan and it is for His people to prosper and not to be harmed. That doesn’t mean we won’t see trials along the way. That doesn’t mean that everything is going to go smoothly and without issue throughout our lives. We are going to face trials, tribulations and hardships. We are going to be disappointed and have our hearts broken more times that we ever care to count. But, we have hope and we have a future. THAT is what I am focusing on because I know that God has a plan and His plan will always work out for the best.
Be blessed, y’all.
Kelly
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