So often, when we talk about the oft-quoted Jeremiah 29:11, we focus on the promise that His plans for us are good and filled with hope.

I want to focus on the fact that God has plans for us. For you. For me.

God doesn’t create us then just turn us loose. He combines sperm and egg, divides cells, imparts specific DNA to create a particular human with a clearly designed plan to glorify Him and build His Kingdom. While some might think that’s a selfish plan – this glorifying Him stuff – it’s a plan that is for the best for the human created. The very best, not just what we think is best.

You know I’m right about our thinking what’s best. How many times have you made a decision based on what would be best for you only to end up begging God to rescue you from it? Yeah, me too.

Anyway, back to plans. When we look back at our lives, some of us wonder why on earth God made plans that included all the things we endured. Let me just say, you can stop searching for that answer outside His revelation. His ways are higher than ours and His thoughts bigger, higher, and more complicated than ours. Even Einstein’s big brain couldn’t comprehend all the intricacies of God’s plans for us.

That’s where faith comes in.

I used to lament the trauma I suffered as a child and into adulthood. I was a victim of circumstances I couldn’t control. THIS was God’s plan for me? To be beaten down, used, abused, and battered by life itself?

What I’ve learned is that placed in the hands of the Almighty, all those things are now a help and hope for others. The life He gave me provides a glimpse at the future and hope for others. At first I resented that. On this side of healing, I’m good with it. He never left me alone in all that, and when I chose Him over my victimhood, my life began to truly take on meaning.

Regardless where you are in life – in the midst of or dealing with trauma, wondering where God is, or trusting Him with every breath – God has a plan specifically for you and it’s a GOOD one. No matter what’s happened to you or by you, His plans provide for you a future and hope that in your circumstances you can only dream of.

Today is the day to step out of victimhood. Take on your healing, exercise forgiveness, and step into your hopeful future by giving yourself totally to God and His plans.

Are you ready?

Coffee, Bible, Journal.

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