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bigmike

What God really means
“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
Do you ever think you know something only to realize later you didn’t really understand it at all?
I’ve been a Christian for a long time, and I can’t tell you how many times I’ve assumed I knew what God’s Word was saying. But every now and then, when I slow down enough to read it with fresh eyes, I realize I may have misunderstood it the first time around.
Take for example Jeremiah 29:11. “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you…” For years, I’ve read that verse through the lens of what I wanted God to do—my goals, my timelines, my dreams. And when things didn’t unfold the way I expected, I felt frustrated, even disappointed with God. But the truth is, I wasn’t upset that God wasn’t accomplishing His plans for me. I was upset that He wasn’t accomplishing my plans for me.
There’s a big difference.
Maybe it’s time we start reading God’s Word without filtering it through what we want it to say. Maybe it’s time to let go of our expectations and surrender to what God actually has in mind for us.
Would you do that today? Ask Him to help you understand what He’s really saying, not just what you hope to hear.

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