For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you.

When Jeremiah wrote the letter to the Jerusalem elders in exile that we know as chapter 29, he was encouraging the people to become established and to increase in Babylon. Marriage, childbirth and home building are all on his agenda!

Verse 11, which is so well known; “For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you; says the Lord, plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.”

…comes in this context of having been overwhelmed, physically moving location and even being given an unimaginably long time frame for resolution. It is then, with the current situation clear, that he reassures the people that God is in control and has plans for peace, well-being and a future, that gives hope.

Jesus is our hope, it is as we trust in Him, that we can know assurance of sins forgiven and peace with God for eternity.

This week Cath had the pleasure of visiting A in her new home. A was the lady who had been homeless and expecting a baby at the end of last year.

It was lovely to meet the baby and some of A’s family who have joined her and to see them settled into their cosy home.

Members of the church, ourselves and A’s landlady have all worked together to make sure that this young family have everything they need.

Before leaving, Cath was able to pray with them and to ask God’s blessing on their home and family.

We might not be homeless, at a great distance from family or be expecting a baby in a day or two, but the assurance of God having plans for our good and the hope we have in Jesus can give us the courage to face all today holds.