I Know The Plans
“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
Like me, you’ve probably heard this scripture quoted numerous times as a reassurance that God has good plans for our lives. I have quoted and prayed this promise over myself and others more times than I can count. Nevertheless, after reading it again recently - in the context of what was going on in the lives of God’s people when He made this promise - I was struck by how particularly relevant it is for those of us who find ourselves on this special needs journey. Let me explain:
At the time that the LORD made this promise to the children of Israel, they’d just been carried into exile. After being led to a place - against their wills - that they didn’t want to go (e.g. for us that was a special needs or disability diagnosis), they were given specific instruction from God for how to survive there:
Although this was a place they’d never choose to go, they were instructed to build meaningful lives there, to live in peace and to prosper (Jer. 29: 5-7). According to one commentator, they were instructed to “establish a kingdom presence” in this place - praying for a “better tomorrow” while being fruitful and enjoying their lives today.
Secondly, the LORD promised to bless His people, even in the midst of their exile (i.e. even in the midst of a life impacted by special needs or disability). There was, according to the LORD, still reason for hope: His desire was NOT to harm them, but to give them a hopeful and prosperous future. God then reminded them to pray and seek Him wholeheartedly, and they would find Him (Jer. 29: 11-14).
And so, despite how unwanted and difficult our circumstances may be at times, Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God’s plans for us and our families are still GOOD. While they may include some hardship, we can trust that He is with us through the hard times. His Presence sustains us so we can live meaningful and fruitful lives. And as we hold onto our faith, we can trust that He is taking us to a future filled with hope.