“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: 11-12) When I read this verse this morning, my thoughts drifted back to 2003, the year my first grandchild was born. We used this scripture in the announcement we sent to family and friends heralding his birth. It is oft used when declaring God’s grace over our children and as an encouragement to them in their faith journey. The prophet Jeremiah however spoke these words from God, not to babies or children, but to His people who were at that time in exile in Babylon. God wanted them to know that He had not forgotten the circumstances which He had allowed: their banishment from their homes and country to a foreign land. But their exile did not mean that all was lost and there was no reason for hope. No, God still had plans for them; plans that would eventually restore them to His promises. I juxtapose this picture of the Israelites at this time in their history with that of my son in his present exile in the foreign land of a hemorrhagic stroke and its after effects. These words speak to his plight also. Until the Lord shows or speaks otherwise, I will hold onto these words for Quentin’s eventual second chance at living a God-centered life in a place where, like the Israelites, he will walk in the promises of which this scripture speaks. In everything, I give God the glory.
Love. Joy. Peace.