Shaping Clay

“11 For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare[a] and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (Jeremiah 29:11 ESV)

When you think things are going well, you get gut-punched. Sometimes, things are going so well that you are just waiting for the other shoe to drop. It is inevitable. Sometimes, it is so bad we must laugh about it because if you told someone the things that are piling up on you, no one would believe you.

In the dark, alone, you cry out to God, why, Lord, why are you letting this happen again? In Jeremiah 29, several things happen at the same time. Jeremiah had sent a letter to the surviving elders, the priests, the prophets, and the people of Israel.  God sent word that even though He had exiled them, God wanted them to live, grow, marry, plant, eat, and multiply. This shows God’s mercy; God sends his grace despite the people's rebellion and exile. He wants Israel to live and, while living, to remember that He is God and that He is merciful.

Even in our darkest moments, God's grace and mercy are always present. We see this exchange between God and Israel many times. But the most critical time is at the foot of the cross. Despite the beating, the mocking, and being nailed to a tree, Jesus showed mercy. “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments.” (Luke 23:34) This act of mercy, even in the face of such cruelty, is a powerful reminder of God's unwavering love and grace. It's a love that surpasses all understanding, a grace that is always present, even in our darkest moments.

Let us add to the exile of Israel the burden of idolatry, of false prophets, diviners, and seers. They wreaked havoc on the Israelites; just like society today, they believed just about anything and conformed to what they knew was wrong. These things produced burdens and sufferings to be piled upon them.

Sometimes, our burdens are designed to shape us and transform us. Christians cannot expect to be changed into the image of God without pain and sacrifice. Some preachers, often associated with the 'prosperity gospel,' a belief that God rewards increased faith with increased wealth and health, would have you believe this idea is wrong. Still, they spread lies like those of Shemaiah, a false prophet who misled the Israelites. But we know through scripture it is the only way we can change. Christ told us, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me." (Matthew 16:24)

Sometimes, like Job, a righteous man who faced severe trials and tribulations, it is the enemy's work; he walks the earth to and fro, a lion waiting to pounce and devour the unprepared Christian. But God always has a plan, and the enemy is subordinate to God.

I cannot change God's words, use my words, or make them easier to understand. God wants us to remember one thing, which was given to us through Jeremiah. God has plans for you. His plans, not yours. His plans are for good because you are a child of God. His plans are not for evil, yet his plans may not be what you think. His plan for Stephen was not what Stephen may have thought, but Stephen became the first Christian martyr. When we read Psalm 116:15, “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his saints.” Through Christ’s death and resurrection, we are given hope and a future; in this, we have assurances.

Grace and Peace!