Main Text: “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)
Introduction
Brothers and sisters, many times we make plans, set expectations, and ask God for specific things in our lives. But how often do we feel frustrated when what we ask for doesn’t happen?
Did God not hear us? Did he forget about us?
Jeremiah reminds us that God’s plans are greater than ours. While we ask for little, He prepares much. While we think about the immediate, He looks to eternity.
1. God Knows the Future We Cannot See
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Israel was in captivity in Babylon. Many wanted to return quickly to Jerusalem, but God had a specific time for that.
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God said: “For I know the plans I have for you.” (v.11)
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He sees beyond what we can see and knows what is truly good for us.
Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us: “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. “As the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts.”
2. Our Expectations Are Small Compared to God’s Plans
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Many times, we only ask for what we think will satisfy us.
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But God, as a loving Father, knows that some requests would bring us pain and suffering. That’s why He denies them—not because He doesn’t love us, but because He loves us too much to give us what would harm us.
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While we expect little, He prepares far more than we ask or imagine.
Ephesians 3:20 says: “Now to him who can do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”
3. Examples of Those Who Received More Than They Asked For
The Bible shows us people who asked for little but received much more:
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Solomon (1 Kings 3:5-13) – He asked only for wisdom to govern, but God also gave him wealth and honor.
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Abraham (Genesis 15:1-6; 17:4-6) – He longed for just one son, but God promised he would be the father of many nations.
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The Widow of Zarephath (1 Kings 17:8-16) – She expected her last meal, but God multiplied her provision until the end of the drought.
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Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52) – He asked for sight, but besides physical healing, he also received salvation.
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The crowd in the feeding of the 5,000 (John 6:5-13) – They wanted only bread for the moment, but Jesus revealed Himself as the Bread of Life who gives eternal satisfaction.
These examples teach us that God never gives just enough—He always goes beyond, because He knows our true needs.
4. Submission to God’s Will Brings Peace and Assurance
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The secret of the Christian life is not getting everything we ask for, but trusting that what God gives is always the best.
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When we wait on God and submit to His will, we have the assurance that the final outcome will be perfect.
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Israel had to wait 70 years, but in due time, God fulfilled His promise and restored them.
Romans 8:28 says: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Conclusion
God always has the best for us. Often, we don’t understand because we only see the present. But He sees the future, knows the way, and knows what will bring us life, peace, and hope.
If you have been praying and it seems God hasn’t answered, remember: He has not forgotten you. He is preparing something far greater than what you asked for.
Trust, rest, and submit to His will. At the right time, you will see that God’s plan was truly better than yours.
Closing Prayer
“Lord, thank You because Your plans are always better than ours. Help us to trust You, even when we don’t understand, and to rest in You, knowing that You are preparing the best for our lives. May we always wait on Your timing and Your will. In Jesus’ name, amen.”
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