‘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.’ (v11) Jeremiah 29:10–14
We are born with a seed of purpose sown in our heart. Life experiences cause us to consider laying hold of that seed, yet there’s no guarantee it will germinate and grow.
I was 19 before hearing Jesus’ story and accepting His invitation. My early life was dysfunctional and it took years for that seed to sink its roots deep enough to confront and counter my own pride and selfishness.
For a number of years, I occupied Christian platforms, plying my trade as an evangelist and church leader, stubbornly refusing to make room for the grace of God to flourish. Consumed with my self-importance, I obscured and defaced the beauty of God with my self-portrait of gospel truth. And then tragedy struck and I was confronted with my mortal powerlessness and beneath it an emptiness that craved acceptance and love available in Christ alone.
God always chose to love me, to hold that seed of life close and to nurture it. I had to learn to work with God, to surrender my independence, and discover the reality of being completely loved and accepted.
Becoming someone, achieving something, ‘cutting a dash’ was no longer important. I was complete in Christ and my life only viable when lived in obedience to His will. I am today whole, but only as long as I live by God’s grace from one moment to the next.
SCRIPTURE TO CONSIDER: Jer. 1:1–10; Psa. 33:1–11; Luke 9:23–26; Rom. 8:18–31.
AN ACTION TO TAKE: We each have our own story. It can consume us and we may wonder how to respond. Take time to let God speak through Michael W. Smith’s song ‘Miracles’.
A PRAYER TO MAKE: ‘Lord, You believe in me. I choose to surrender to You. Amen.’
Photo by IRRI Photos on Flickr
