Jeremiah 29:11 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.

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Jeremiah is writing to the people of God who have been uprooted from their homes and taken to a place they did not want to go.  Many of us have had some circumstance in life take us to places we did not want to go.  Then, right in the middle of those circumstances, God decides to show us His plan.

I hear people sharing this verse trying to make it say that everything they do will succeed.  That is a nice way to think, but everyone will have bumps along the road and challenges to overcome.  We must learn to overcome our situations in life by staying in God’s plan for us.

Let’s look at the core of this verse.  It does not say, “I God will make your plans prosper.”  Instead it says, “I know the plans I have for you.”  God is speaking and it is His plans for your life.  It is about succeeding in God’s will for your life.

Let’s look at the context of this verse.  Jeremiah starts the chapter by telling them to do the best they can in their current circumstances.  He tells them to bring prosperity to the city where they are planted ‘because if it prospers, you too will prosper.’ (vs7)  Then, God warns the people to not listen to people trying to deceive them or distract them.

In verse 10, the text turns to God reminding His people that He is still there for them.  He says He will listen to their prayers if they seek Him with all their heart.  He finishes up the chapter talking to the situation the exiles are in and encourages them to ‘hear the word of the Lord.”

Yes, God wants us to succeed, but more than that He wants us to be in His will.  God calls us as entrepreneurs to help others according to His plans.  We have to set aside our plans and let God guide us into the plans He has for our lives.

Let’s be honest, we will all fail at one time or another, but when you fail, get up, evaluate where you are and start again.  Success is just getting up one more time than you failed.  Look at every circumstance through God’s eyes.  Look at what God is teaching you and what He wants to do with your life and your business.

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. Jeremiah 29:11