For I Know the Plans

Introduction

Opening Story or Illustration: When I was a senior in high school my family was forced to move. My dad is a pastor and due to some circumstances at our church we had to leave the church and move out of the parsonage. We did not know where we were going. We just knew that it was time to leave. We moved in with my grandmother until we could find a new church. We thought we were going to live with my grandmother for maybe a week or two. One week turned into six months.

Biblical Background: The people of Judah during Jeremiah’s time faced a similar situation.Because of their sin, the people of Judah were ripped from their homes and taken into Babylonian Captivity. In 598/97 B.C. The Babylonians invaded Judah and took King Jehoiachin and many others with them (Including the Prophet Ezekiel) back to Babylon. It is to this group of people that the prophet Jeremiah writes a letter.

Biblical Text: Let’s turn in our Bibles to Jeremiah 29:1-14. I want us to look together at the content of this ancient letter.

Preview the Main Idea: This morning I want us to think about those moments in our lives when we are thrust into places and situations that we do not desire to be in. I want us to really think about what God is up to in the midst of those situations.

Preview the outline structure: I want to bring out a three things that I notice within this letter and how that applies to us today.

Points

Exegetical M.I. – The Prophet Jeremiah wanted the exiles to know that even though they were in exile God still had a good plan for them.

God placed the people of Judah in a place they did not desire to go.

God had placed them in Babylon (vs. 4)

God sent them there because of their disobedience.

They were far from home and wanted to return, but Jeremiah tells them to settle down and make their home in Babylon.

They were sent away because of their disobedience.

God kept the people of Judah there longer than they desired.

The false prophet Hananiah said they would be there for 2yrs (28:1-4)

Jeremiah said they would be there 70yrs. (29:10)

The people were to work for the peace and prosperity of Babylon. (29:4-7)

They were to settle down and increase in number.

God Still had a good plan for the people of Judah (vs. 11-14)

God had not forgotten or abandoned Judah.

God was not surprised our shocked with their situation.

God was still in complete control and was working things out for their ultimate good.

Homiletical M.I. – Even in difficulties God has a good plan for you.

God often places us in places and situations where we do not desire to go.

Illustration – Bad church events (As a pastor’s kid I Often had to attend weddings, funerals, and other events for people I didn’t even know. I did not want to be there. God often takes us through situations we do not desire to be in.)

Sometimes this is a result of our sin and sometimes it is not.

Job was righteous yet he went through situations he did not desire to go through.

At times those who are the most righteous seem to suffer the most.

Life often puts us in circumstances that are beyond our control.

God at times keeps us there longer than we desire.

Illustration – Gilligan’s Island (Often life is like Gilligan’s island. We get on the boat expecting a three hour tour and we end up stranded on an island for longer than we want. It seems as though we will never get off the island.)

God’s timing is not ours!

We often look for a quick way out and God seems to be waiting around.

Remember Abraham – God had promised him a child but he did not want to wait.

Sometimes God wants us to settle down and make the best of the situation in which he has placed us.

God still has a good plan for us.

Illustration – Grandmother’s house (If my family had not moved from our church and into my grandmother’s house we would not be in the place we are today. I would not be at southeastern. God had the whole situation under control. He had a plan.)

God is not surprised by the situation that you are facing.

Even though you do not see and end to your circumstance, God is still in control.

Quote - “Hind Sight is Twenty-Twenty” –Unknown

Conclusion

Restatement of M.I. - Even in difficulties God has a good plan for you.

So What? Learn to remind yourself that even in the midst of a difficult situation God is still in control. Put scriptures concerning God’s promises around where you will be reminded of them daily. Learn to be content where God has placed you. Make a conscious effort this week to change your attitude concerning your situation. Spend time in prayer asking God to give you a fresh outlook on the situation. Learn to share what you are going through with a friend. Get with a close friend this week and share your heart with them. Let them encourage you as you walk through your difficulties.

Now What? If you are here today and you have lost hope because of the situation that you are facing, or if you are struggling with remembering that God still has a plan and he is still in control, and you need prayer would you raise your hand?

Prayer: God, help us to remember that you are still in control and that you still have a good plan for us. Amen.