40 days of prayer - day 10

40 Days of Prayer - Day 10

God’s Plan is for Our Future and Hope

Author: Pastor Christen

Scripture Readings:

Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."

Psalm 138:8 - "The Lord will work out his plans for my life—for your faithful love, O Lord, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me."

Romans 15:13 - "I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit."

Life is full of uncertainties. We often find ourselves wondering what the future holds, facing seasons of waiting, disappointment, and change. Yet, in the midst of life’s twists and turns, God assures us that He has a plan. His plan is not random, nor is it filled with despair; it is filled with hope and a purposeful future.

Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God’s plans are for good. Even when we cannot see the full picture, He is weaving together a future that reflects His love and faithfulness. It is easy to become discouraged when life does not go as expected, but Psalm 138:8 reassures us that God is actively working on our behalf. He is not distant or inattentive. Instead, He is intricately involved in our journey, ensuring that His purpose for our lives is fulfilled.

Psalm 138:8 ends with a heartfelt plea: “Don’t abandon me, for you made me.” This verse speaks to the deep connection between a Creator and His creation. If you are a parent, you may understand this on a personal level. As a new parent myself, I look at my five-month-old daughter and cannot imagine ever abandoning her. She is a part of me. No matter what happens in the future—even if we have disagreements when she grows older (hello teenage years!)—there is absolutely nothing that could make me stop loving her or leave her. In the same way, God, our Father, never abandons us. He created us, and His love for us is unshakable. We call Him “Father” as a reminder of His unwavering love and commitment to us.

Hope is not merely wishful thinking; it is a confident expectation based on God’s promises. Romans 15:13 reveals the key to experiencing this kind of hope: trust in God. When we put our trust in Him, He fills us with joy and peace, causing us to overflow with confident hope through the Holy Spirit. This hope is not dependent on our circumstances but on the unchanging character of our faithful God.

Today, no matter what challenges you face, hold on to the truth that God has a plan for your life. His plan is one of hope, not harm. His love endures forever, and He is working everything out for your good. Place your trust in Him, and allow His peace to fill your heart. With God, your future is secure.

Reflection Questions:

1. In what areas of your life do you need to trust God’s plan more fully?

2. How has God given you hope in difficult seasons?

3. What steps can you take today to rest in the assurance of His faithfulness?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for the promise that You have plans for my life—plans for good, filled with hope and purpose. Help me to trust You even when I cannot see the way forward. Fill my heart with joy and peace, and let my life overflow with confident hope through Your Holy Spirit. In Jesus’ name, Amen.