One of my favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11.  What a great promise!

For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 

I am still amazed that the Creator of this universe, the one who holds it all together, the one who is responsible for every molecule in this universe has a specific, intentional plan for MY life.  WOW!  Most people I know find great comfort and encouragement in that truth.

 We forget, however, that while God has the plan for us, we still must follow the plan.  God has mapped out the journey to glory, but we have the responsibility for follow the plan. 

God does not superimpose his way on us, he does not force us down the path.  To reach the destination we must engage the journey God has placed before us.  We realize the promise of “welfare,” “future,” and “hope,” when we undertake the journey God prescribes in verses 12-13 of Jeremiah 29.

Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.

 Notice the caveat – SEEK.  Seek God, not blessings, not ease, not victory, not success, but seek a person…GOD.  And God gives us the directions for seeking Him – call, come, pray.

We will not enjoy the hopeful and blessed future God has designed for us without passionately seeking to be with him in prayer and following him in obedience.  There are not shortcuts, and it may be difficult at times. Otherwise, he would not have called it SEEKING.  

Consistently and intentionally bury your heart in God’s Word and bend your knees in prayer to him.  Get to know who God is and what he wants to do in your life.  Seek to know and obey the God who has designed a fabulous life for you.