Plans to Prosper, Not to Harm

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans (thoughts) I have towards you; thoughts to prosper you and not to harm you.

Why else would God need to say this except to reassure us, because sometimes his plan looks like, feels, like , and seems like it is harming us. The purging we sometimes must go through always hurts and has a distinct sting to it:

Sometimes loneliness, sometimes despondency, sometimes hopelessness. It can feel this way. And that is why he needs to remind us that in actuality, it is not this way.

Senses will fail us. Feelings will fail us. They will not give an accurate account of what is taking place on the inside --but the Word will never fail. The promise remains intact at all times --perfect in delivery and complete in purpose ("My word will not return to me void" - Isaiah 55:11).

Somewhere in the great, mysterious future, it is finished. The work we are to become is complete. Anyone who submits to the Father's Will will inherit this reality.

It is only time that stands in the way. Time and the arduous work of becoming. But the end is set. The destiny is there for the taking and the way to lay hold if it is to relinquish everything else we're holding on to.