For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV)
On the day I encountered the horrific pain of sciatica, the Lord came to me and spoke today’s verse. The plans and future on my mind centered around marketing my new book. One by one, those plans went up in smoke, and only some ashes remained.
I couldn’t handle the crippling pain of sciatica as darkness surrounded me. All my speaker friends had events, but I forgot the Lord’s promise. My future looked bleak. I am not a speaker. I’m finished.
As pain decreased and life moved on, my sweet friend, Pastor Edith invited me to speak at her church. Could I, do it? Yes, with my overcomer attitude, I would do it!
I had no idea how healing that day would be. I could never imagine the joy in boxing up books, and driving down the interstate. God had brought me full circle. He restored me. He wasn’t finished with me! His plans, His future, and His hope!
My friend, right now, it may look like all is lost. I know when I have my back surgery I will fight an overwhelming opponent, but we fight from victory. We’ve already won.
I asked God to forgive me for doubting Him. Sometimes life takes us to hard places, where pain is relentless and hope fades away. We are flesh, but don’t forget we have a heavenly Father, and He has plans for a future and a hope. We give up on Him, but He never gives up on us.
“I will repay you for the years the locusts have eaten—
the great locust and the young locust, (Joel 2:25a NIV)
God is in the business of restoration. He heals. He restores family relationships. He restores loss. He restores marriages. We can’t understand why He does it for one and not another, but we cannot understand His ways, but we must have faith, and when God has another plan; they will be better than anything we can imagine (Eph. 3:20). How can we not put our trust in God to turn it around.
God takes the broken parts of our hearts, our relationships, our bank accounts, and our health and He works it all together, like a baker kneading bread. Then He makes something beautiful from it, and it is part of His plan and purpose for our lives.
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. (Romans 8:28 NIV)
Lord God, help me realize You restore broken lives. Like a carpenter bringing new life to a piece of old furniture, You are at work, and I don’t even know it. Help me trust You to do the supernatural, the unexpected, and the miraculous. In Jesus’s name. Amen.
DIG DEEPER
HIKING THE TRAIL
I asked my husband to remind me about this day of victory when I struggle after my surgery. If I could see, I would use posted notes with Bible verses all around the house. How can you remember to trust God when it is hard to trust Him?
RELATED RESOURCE
The military uses strategies to stop the enemy. We are in the army of God, so what strategies do we have? Use God’s Word to create strategic plans to fight emotional bondage and increase your faith. Learn more here.
Originally posted on March 10, 2023 @ 1:00 am
You are always an inspiration to me. Working & advocating for special needs youth has been my life. Now coping with middle aged estranged daughter first time. As I lay on my heating pad I pray for your physical comfort & successful surgery. Vee
It’s always a treat to hear from you. I know the pain of an estranged daughter. I pray for your broken heart and physical pain. Neither are good, but God helps us through. Thank you for your prayers.