We are all encouraged by a leader who stirs us to move ahead, someone who believes we can do the task he has given and who will be with us all the way. God is that kind of leader. He knows the future, and His plans for us are for good and are full of hope.

Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV) “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 a hope and a future.”

Jeremiah was called by God to be a prophet to Judah, and he lived and prophesied during the reigns of the last five kings of Judah. This was a chaotic time politically, morally, and spiritually for God’s people. Jeremiah faithfully confronted the leaders and the people with their sin, and he prophesied both their captivity into Babylon and their eventual return from exile.

As a congregation, as long as God provides our agenda and goes with us as we fulfill His mission, we can have unlimited hope and boundless assurance in Him. This does not mean that we will be spared from disappointment, failure, and/or suffering, but we can be confident that God will see us through to His conclusion.

Jeremiah prophesied for 40 years, but he never saw his people heed his words and turn from their sin. Yet Jeremiah remained faithful, and years of obedience had made him strong and courageous. May we be able to stand through difficult times with the faith and obedience as Jeremiah did.