Devotion: New and Different

Jeremiah 29:11- For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

New may be different than what we expect. In the movie Shrek, Fiona is made “new” after she experiences true love’s kiss. She expected to turn into the beautiful princess that she was by day, not the ogre she turned into each night. But, the ogre is who she became. She was distressed at first but soon discovered she would be loved no matter how she looked.

Like Fiona we may expect one thing but be given something else. God ultimately knows what’s best, so we need to trust in that. Romans 8:28 says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Even if the change in our life is different that what we were expecting we can trust that God knows what He’s doing!

Jeremiah 29:11 says, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you, not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” This passage was given to the people of Israel when they were in the middle of disaster. They expected to be in the Promised Land forever, yet here the Babylonians were coming to take them captive. Even in the midst of this, they could find hope in Jeremiah’s words because of the promises they had been given. Because they knew the LORD to fulfill His promises.

Change always means “new,” but change is not always easy. God has given us a wonderful gift to help us through times of change. That is the gift of friends. Especially if this is your internship or first call, you need to take time to find a mentor DCE or a friend outside of your church that you know will be an encouragement and support to you. God never meant for us to go through this life alone; we hear over and over again that He is with us, and then in 1 Thessalonians 5:11 we are told that we need to encourage one another, build each other up May the Lord bless you as you approach His ministry and any change that may come your way with open arms, trusting that He knows what He’s doing!

Dear Lord, we thank you once again for your promise to be with us, even when the unexpected happens. Thank you for giving us friends to help and encourage us at these times. Please be with us as we seek to do your will in all that we do! In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Published June 15, 2009

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