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‘For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end’, Jer. 29. 11
A few years ago, this text from Jeremiah chapter 29 verse 11 seemed to be quoted everywhere! It had almost become a cliche as it was so widely referenced! Yet long before this verse was popularized in cards and posters, it had been a verse that had spoken to my soul - and has remained a comfort in the most trying times of life.
In 1994, I had the joy of marrying my childhood sweetheart, Audrey. Like many newlyweds, we had exciting plans and endless energy. We loved the Lord, and loved the local assembly, and all of its activities. We enjoyed holidays, making new friends, and welcoming people into our home for fellowship. But in January 1997, suddenly and unexpectedly, we entered into a deep trial which has left its own refining mark on our lives.
Almost overnight Audrey went from being fit and healthy to being critically ill. This sudden decline coincided exactly with the news that she was pregnant with our first child. Various medical tests were taken, and the devastating news came back that Audrey had a ‘one-in-a-million’ disease. This disease was incurable, and it had a life expectancy of only five years! After further surgical procedures, Audrey went into premature labour and Anna, our only child, was born. Anna only lived eight days - we were devastated. Yet the scriptures came with clarity and comfort, including Jeremiah chapter 29 verse 11. God still had a work to do in us and through us. With God’s help we were able to get going again in service for the Lord. Remarkably, even during our grief, the Lord opened a new door of opportunity to serve amongst children and teenagers, particularly in regular camps. It became a very fruitful and happy mission field for nearly twenty years.
In 2008, Audrey’s health had deteriorated to such a level that her only hope of survival was to receive a lung transplant. During the period of waiting for the transplant, we received eight false alarms, yet, every time, we read it, or someone passed on the scripture to us: Jer. 29. 11. Eventually, in August 2008, Audrey received the transplant, but immediately it began to fail. In the most remarkable night of prayer that I have ever experienced, a dear servant of the Lord, Jim McMaster, brought Audrey before the Lord. When the surgeon looked for an answer in the gloom, God was already guiding his hand, and wonderfully Audrey lived! That evening Jeremiah chapter 29 verse 11 was again confirmed.
Months later, after another experience of God’s goodness, we did not hear our verse of confirmation. We were puzzled, why is God silent? I was tidying my filing cabinet and a long-forgotten card from my mother fell out. Enclosed in the card was the text, Jer. 29. 11. The confirmation came again - God always keeps His promises! In the goodness of God, Audrey has lived a further sixteen years, and we have been able to continue to serve the Lord together. God has blessed us in so many ways.
God’s thoughts and plans are not always exactly as we want them, but they are exactly as we need them! Our God keeps the planets in orbit and our breath in His hand. He knows exactly what plans are right for us. The hymn writer penned his understanding of God’s plans,
‘I know who holds the future, and He’ll guide me with His hand. With God things don’t just happen; everything by Him is planned. So as I face tomorrow, with its problems large and small, I’ll trust the God of miracles, give to Him my all’.1
God is always in full control.
