I would have never guessed I'd be writing a blog, but then again, since beginning my adventure with God, I've done a lot of things I could've never imagined!
Why the name "True Hope and a Future"?
I was trying to come up with a name that would be intriguing to Christians and non-Christians alike, and I think the desire for hope and a future is universal. This comes from the Bible, Jeremiah 29:11-14 ~ "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." (:11)
The Lord first brought this verse to my attention many years ago, while studying Scripture with my children, just before a major period of growth and change in my life. He has truly sustained me with these words. How comforting to know that God has a plan for my life, especially during the times when I feel like I'm in the midst of chaos. I sincerely believe that God wants what's best for me, and I'm so thankful that He knows exactly what that is, because most of the time I have no idea.
"Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." (:12)
I don't know what's more amazing, the fact that I can approach the one, true God, or the fact that He listens to me. Notice he doesn't say "hear," a word used when perceiving a sound. He uses the word "listen," a word used to show that He's paying attention to what is being said. God cares about what I have to say! It's important to Him because it's important to me! Isn't that amazing? Think of all the people who have no interest whatsoever in what you have to say, then try to wrap your head around the fact that the Creator of the universe listens intently to everything you say. Astounding!
God has made my heart His home and given me a burning desire to spend time with Him and come to know Him ever more deeply. I seek Him because everything worth having resides in Him, and because I earnestly seek Him, He has allowed me to find Him.
I have lived far too much of my life in captivity - captive to fears, captive to emotions, you name it! The good news is, God says it doesn't have to be that way! God, in His grace, has set me free. No matter where we wander, God will always "bring us back" when we seek Him.
Father, thank you for choosing me to be one of your children and allowing me to have a relationship with you. Thank you for always listening to me, even when I have no idea of the work you want to accomplish in my life. Thank you for refusing to give me what I wanted, but instead giving me what you knew I needed. I love you so much!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts. may God bless this blog.
jann
Lisa, this promise from God, through Jeremiah, has shown itself to be true in my own life. And who would know that better than you? Although only acquaintances at one time, the Lord definitely had other plans for us, didn't He? At a time in my life when I knew nothing but hopelessness,I turned to Him in prayer and He sent you,quite literally, to rescue me and teach me the true meaning of surrendering to our Savior. Why? Because He always knows exactly what we need and when we need it. God's plans for our lives are always for our good and His glory, even when we can't comprehend the reason behind the most painful of life's circumstances. His unfailing love is indescribable!