“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Eternal, “plans for peace, not evil, to give you a future and hope—never forget that.” Jeremiah 29:11
Hope Wins because just when we feel like are facing the worst possible future we get the revelation that there is a plan and purpose in it all for a good future.
I was stunned! We had just gone to see the specialist at the Muscular Dystrophy (MD) clinic at UT Southwestern here in Dallas. Dr. Nations, a renowned MD specialist, confirmed that my husband, Bill, did indeed have MD. It had a long name that would become very familiar to me – Facioscapulohumeral Dystrophy (FSHD – for short). Herein could be found the explanation for so many things – his tiredness, the muscle pain, the trouble standing up as he preached, etc. As I looked over the potential panorama for the rest of our lives, I was overwhelmed with sorrow and despair.
Context
Jeremiah is known as the “weeping prophet” because he lived in a sad time of decay and hopelessness. The Jewish people of that time were not serving the Lord. He personally took on himself the task of hearing God’s voice on their behalf during this chaotic time. He was not dearly loved by those to whom he spoke. There were other prophets who would deliver good news because that is what others wanted to hear. That was not the way for Jeremiah. He told it like he saw it and suffered the consequences. There are a few bright spots in his life. Josiah became king of Judah when he was only eight years old. Jeremiah had a huge influence on this young boy. Josiah led the nation in returning to God and destroying all the idols. (You can read more in 2 Kings 22-23.) Josiah turned the nation around and served God his entire life. Unfortunately, after he died in battle against Egypt, the rest of his kings went right back to their old idolatrous ways. God sent Jeremiah once again to denounce their wicked ways. The leaders of the Judah grew weary of hearing the bad news about their future and hired lying prophets. That did not stop Jeremiah. I am so amazed how Jeremiah could continue forward in the midst of persecution for telling the truth. In this chapter, Jeremiah is prophesying that they will become captives and stay there for 70 years. Tucked in behind this dark cloud are some hope rays that speak to me.
Plans
The original word that is translated “thoughts” in the King James Version is the word “machashebeth.” It also means plans and purpose. God is saying that even with a devastating diagnosis we know that God works the details for a purpose. He has a bigger view – a different perspective. Nothing catches Him by surprise.
Shalom (Peace)
This word is often translated as plans for ‘good.’ While it certainly means that, there is so much richness in the term ‘shalom.’ It speaks of healthy relationships – both vertically and horizontally. It speaks of health in all areas of our lives – physical, financial, emotional and physical. It speaks of contentment in knowing that even though I am in difficulties right now, I can life with the tranquility that comes from the Lord. It does not mean that you have a charmed easy life. It means that in the midst of all the battles you can feel peace.
Not Evil
The Hebrew word here is ‘rah.’ Despite all that these people had done to turn their backs on Him, God was not mad at them and wishing they would be destroyed. That was never his intent. His disposition toward them is still kind and loving in spite of the way they have chosen to live their lives. The evil is coming from the result of their choices to push God away and ignore the warnings.
Give
This word speaks of grace and mercy which is underserved. It means to bestow or grant. It is truly a gift that the recipient needs only to open their hands to receive it.
HOPE
The word for hope used here is ‘tiqvah.’ This word literally means a cord. There is an expectation for good based on the faithfulness of God. The expectation is that, despite the fact that right now there are bad things happening, the tapestry being woven for our future is secure. The expected outcome is good.
As I look back on the difficult time right after receiving a devastating diagnosis, I can say that this Scripture truly was fulfilled in our lives. We had everything that we needed just when we needed it most. It was not easy, yet we continued to laugh and love each other. Bill faced his physical challenges with grace and courage. He never complained or blamed God. We grew together as a couple and as a family. We honored a great man who made it easy to serve him. His challenges continued to increase over the year and gradually Bill required full-time care. And yet, we found a good outcome and our hope grew through it all. We were able to live with peace.
HOPE WINS!
Prayer
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