Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans that I have for you, declares Yahweh, plans for peace and not calamity, to give you a future and a hope.”  LSB

In the Book of Jeremiah, we read about Israel’s bondage in Babylon and the promise of God in 29:11. They were exiled in hopelessness, and in that state, God reminded them to remember His promise and purpose.   In difficulty, they could Hope!

In Jeremiah 31:21, God told them to set up road marks and guideposts and set their hearts on the highway to victory. Jeremiah 31:31-34 brings us the promise of a New Covenant.

In Romans 5:1, Paul reminds us that this life is a life of faith.   Justification by faith brings peace.  Then, in Romans 5:2, he says something amazing, yet not.

Through faith in Jesus, we obtain our introduction into God’s Grace.  Notice it is an introduction, not a completion.  It is more than a casual acquaintance.  It leads to covenantal intimacy.  An introduction is the door, a beginning, and this is the door to fullness.   But we have to walk through the door.  It is not saved to sit, soak, and sour but to Grow into the full measure in Christ.

Then, he introduces the dastardly subject of afflictions, troubles, trials, and difficulties.  Consider them:

• Afflictions bring about (not produce) but bring perseverance into the mix.   Perseverance is a walked-out experience.
• Perseverance results in proven character.  Tried holiness, tested sanctification, and trustworthiness.
• Proven characters result in the birth of hope in the heart.
• Hope will not put us to shame.  Interesting statement.  Full assurance.  No discredit.  Vindicated.  There is more, but all this is produced Because of God’s Love that is poured out into our hearts.

Alan Jackson has a country song – “Ain’t Got Trouble Now.”  One line says – “Ain’t got troubles now.  Had ’em before, and I’ll have some more, but I Ain’t got troubles now.”  In Jesus, our trials become doorways to growth and victory.   We tend to fight, resist, grumble, complain, and woe is me.  But, if we understood that in Christ, there are times to trial and that through Him, they make us strong and whole, we would not just cede to them but use them to grow and glow.

We are people of Hope for whom God has plans for good.  We are people of perseverance, hope, and proven character who are never put to shame because we are people of The Name! 

Our Covenant is one of eternal Hope.  Therefore, we can rejoice because we are counted worthy to endure hardship for His Name.  We can and need to embrace the work of maturity through trials and become a person of faith.

Remember you are loved by God and entered the door to His immeasurable grace through faith.  You can overcome because you are an overcomer.  So, embrace God’s promise and believe He has a good plan for your life.  You will encounter difficulties but set your heart daily to seek Him first and live in His presence.  He will bring you to a place of spiritual maturity where you can represent Him and manifest Him!

May the Grace of God guard you and the peace of God comfort you as you embark on today’s journey!