A God of our past, present and future

Read Jeremiah 29:1-14

Jer 29:11
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.

On Sunday, the preacher highlighted that there are three things that we have to let go in order to run and complete the Christian race. The three things are:
1. An unresolved past
2. An unsettled present
3. An uncertain future

The Israelites were in exile in this Jeremiah passage. God had to assure them that He is the Same God yesterday, today and tomorrow. The Israelites needed deliverance from their past. They were in exile because of their sin. They needed to hear that their past had been dealt with by God. So many of us are held back by our past; thinking that everything we have done is irreparable. God says He has plans for us and His plans are not going to be hindered because of our past errors.

The Jews were in a foreign country. Should they prepare to go back to their land? Should they settle among their pagan hosts? They could not do anything till they settle their minds were settled. God told them to settle their hearts, to be faithful where they were and build up the city that they were in. God guarantees us that His hands are upon us to flourish us; to make us grow and His thoughts toward us are kind. So where we are right now, stay faithful and live, work for Him.

The Jews were forcibly removed from their homeland by a pagan country due to their idolatries against God. They saw God as the ultimate sovereign in this entire act. Thus, to hear from God that He had plans to give them a hope and a future were kind of challenging. God told them that if they did learn their lesson and return to Him, the Jews would see Him keeping His part of the bargain. So it is with us – our uncertain future is unknown but if God, the King of the Universe has it all planned out and we go according to His way, there is no fear. We can look forward to our future with confidence.

To trust that God has got our backs covered. That our heavenly Father knows the exact way our lives would turn out if we trust Him – we need to remember, claim and live this promise.