Please, Read the Context
Many people try to claim promises in the Bible that do not really mean what they think they mean, because they do not read the context of the promise. This is very true for what Jeremiah wrote to those in exile in Babylon. (Jeremiah 29:10,11) Yes, God did have thoughts of peace and not of evil, thoughts of a future and a hope for His people, but that would come after 70 years in Babylon. Think about that for a minute.
God loves us, and He has a wonderful plan for our lives. His plan is based on our trusting Him and obeying Him. The children of Judah did not trust God, and they did not obey God, so many of them died, many were taken to Babylon, and some stayed in the land in poverty. This lasted 70 years as God's punishment for their sins. That did not mean He did not love them. He did love them, but it was tough love. He loved them enough to correct their rebellion. Then, in 70 years when their trust had returned and their attitude was one of obedience, He brought them back to Jerusalem. That is the context of this promise.
Therefore, if you want to claim Jeremiah 29:11 for yourself, watch out. You may be causing yourself to have a false hope in God's promise. This verse does not mean that God wants everything to be peaceful in your life right now and that He will give you a great future and a hope right now. You may be like the people of Judah. Your sins may have caused God to punish you. He is still with you, and you can have a good life, but it will not be what it could have been if you had not rebelled. Also, it may not get fixed this year or next year. God's timing is always best. We can't rush Him. That is why I say, "Please, read the context" before you claim a promise for your life.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Jeremiah 30-32.
God loves us, and He has a wonderful plan for our lives. His plan is based on our trusting Him and obeying Him. The children of Judah did not trust God, and they did not obey God, so many of them died, many were taken to Babylon, and some stayed in the land in poverty. This lasted 70 years as God's punishment for their sins. That did not mean He did not love them. He did love them, but it was tough love. He loved them enough to correct their rebellion. Then, in 70 years when their trust had returned and their attitude was one of obedience, He brought them back to Jerusalem. That is the context of this promise.
Therefore, if you want to claim Jeremiah 29:11 for yourself, watch out. You may be causing yourself to have a false hope in God's promise. This verse does not mean that God wants everything to be peaceful in your life right now and that He will give you a great future and a hope right now. You may be like the people of Judah. Your sins may have caused God to punish you. He is still with you, and you can have a good life, but it will not be what it could have been if you had not rebelled. Also, it may not get fixed this year or next year. God's timing is always best. We can't rush Him. That is why I say, "Please, read the context" before you claim a promise for your life.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Jeremiah 30-32.