Certain Confidence
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Jeremiah 29:11-12
11. For I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. 12. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.
I knew immediately this morning what scripture I would be drawn to! Today is the last day of my current job. I have been with the same company for 5 years, serving in two different positions. Five years ago I re-entered the full-time workforce after working for myself and at multiple part-time jobs for quite a few years. I had a lot of “firsts” at my current company. And over the years, especially over the past couple of years, I have learned a great deal about myself.
One of my coworkers has asked me a couple of times if I’m getting scared as “the end” approaches. And I have been a little surprised that I’m not! I’m really not afraid at all! And I really have no idea what my new job will be like! I have become rather fearless in some ways, as God has brought me through some trials and tribulations at work and also in my personal life. He has been refining me and preparing me for the future -- I feel as if I should pretty well polished by now, but I know He’s far from finished with me!
I kept wondering why I wasn’t anxious or worried about what the future holds. And this morning these verses came to mind. I have learned to trust and believe in the God who makes this promise. I really have been propelled, not of my own volition into this future job. And I’m kind of feeling like I’m in a daze! But I have no doubt it is the right thing to do. And I have no doubt that God has plans for my future, for my welfare. No doubt. And I trust that is the case in all areas of my life. Not that I don’t worry! I do! But not for long! Because I have learned the lessons God has taught me.
Trust Him. Obey Him. You may not understand the “why” but as long as you know the “who” you don’t need to worry about what’s ahead! I look back at some of the painful experiences I’ve weathered in the last few years, and I now consider them blessings - every one. Would I want to relive them? Absolutely not! Do I wish for a different outcome? How can I? God used those outcomes to refine me and prepare me for the wonderful future he planned for me long ago!
I’ve shed a few tears, and “reality” will probably set in some time today as I turn in my office keys, receive my last paycheck, and walk out the door for the last time as an employee. But I am not scared. I am excited! God used these last 5 years to prepare me for my new job. And he uses everything in our lives to accomplish His plans for us. I call upon God more and more as I learn more and more of his faithfulness and mercy. I know He hears me -- even when I’m not thrilled with His response.
I have become courageous. Not rash. Courageous. Because of Him. Jesus tells us to “fear not little sheep.” And “do not be anxious about your life.” God is in heaven and He is in charge of the future, just as He was of the past. That courage has allowed me to go into an uncertain future, with a certain confidence. God has gone ahead to make a way for me. That is all I need to know.
I hope today you will call upon the Lord for instruction and courage in all the decisions you must make. And that you will trust that He hears you when you call to him.
Mary
