God's plans for us

“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
This is a well-known, if not a favourite, verse for many people. It appears in a letter that Jeremiah wrote to the Israelite captives in Babylon, telling them to settle down where they were, because it would be 70 years before they would return to their land. There would be no quick fix, but it was all part of God’s plan and He was still in control.
God has a plan for each and every person. If we are obedient to Him, He will work it out in our lives – and all of God’s plans are good. Jesus reiterated this: “Which of you, if his son asks for bread, will give him a stone? Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask Him!” (Matt. 7:9-11).
God’s plans for us are also long term plans. And to get there, it may involve some pain along the way. But we can trust God, that He knows what He is doing. He can see the final result; we can’t.