One of the favorite Bible verses for many is Jeremiah 29:11, you hear it shared by many as their “life verse” you see it on placards and calendars, it’s posted on Facebook and Instagram and other social media but the truth is, few even realize the context of their “life verse.” Jeremiah was speaking on behalf of God to an idolatrous and materialistic people He called His chosen people. In this case the Southern Kingdom of Judah. God told them that He was sending them into captivity for seventy years for their ignoring of the Sabbatical year because of their greed and while in captivity they need to remember that;

“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.“

While disobedience to the plan of God may not be the reason for being scarred by disappointment, discouragement and despair the general truth remains the same and that is God has a plan for us that is outside of our own. When the season for your current hopes and dreams has passed, get new ones, spiritual ones, godly ones. Most of our unfulfilled dreams and hopes are like winning three Superbowl’s, it would be great for a moment and then you’d say; This can’t be all there is, and you’d be right. There is more, God has plans for you that may not involve a vice presidency, your own company, personal notoriety or the pro career but I can assure you, His plan is better than fifteen minutes of fame.

Do you have spiritual goals? Have you identified the plans that He has for you, plans that involve a future hope that never causes a disappointing present. Let me pause for a moment and say that if you were hoping I was going to tell you how to make your dreams happen, I’m not, that is dreaming too small. I hope to point you to dreams that will last into the future, dreams filled with hope and peace. So dream big, but dream spiritually big, dream of leading thousands to Christ, dream of writing a book on finding hope when life hurts, I did and I did. Dream and aspire to greatness in God’s economy and what you will find is limitless opportunity. I can say that with confidence because when God calls God empowers. You will never find that someday everyone else is a big as you and your fastball isn’t as overpowering as it used to be and your day in the spotlight has passed. What you will find is what Paul wrote to the church at Philippi;

“I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:13

When we tap in to God’s plans we are not limited to our natural abilities but we have access to unlimited possibilities and when God’s glory is our motivation then the power to do all is through Christ is ours!

Excerpt from “Dancing With the Scars” now available on Amazon.