"For I know well the plans I have in mind for you—oracle of the LORD—plans for your welfare and not for woe, so as to give you a future of hope." (Jeremiah 29: 11)
In the early years of the return of the Prodigal, the above scripture meant so much to me. I read and reread this promise. I devoured all the commentaries I could find on it. It was as if these words were spoken personally to me. After 15 years of living these plans, I am more sober when I reflect on the meaning of this promise for my life. For one thing I discovered that the accomplishment of this plan is not like a quick surgical operation. Did you note that Jeremiah speaks of “Plans” and not “Plan.” That’s right. God has rolling plans for our lives. A series of interconnected plans spanning from childhood to old age. When we deviate from this plan, there is a correction. Very much like the GPS that helps you to get from one point to another and corrects you if you make a wrong turn.
God’s plans for my welfare are complete. They encompass the following: Pardon, Peace, Power, Purpose, Protection and Provision. I call these the 6 P’s of God’s promises. How do we enter into these promises? God prepares for every individual a grand strategy. I call mine the 7-Way plan made up of these items: Prayer, Word of God, Eucharist, Penance, Examen, Ministry and Spiritual Reading. By employing these strategies, not only are we able to enjoy the 6 P’s but we grow at the same time in the 7 fruits of: Faith, Patience, Wisdom, Humility, Courage, Peace and Contentment. With all these going for us, we feel adequate to fight and win our daily spiritual warfare in these war zones: Health, Family, Money, Job, Tools, Food and Future.
Perhaps the best way to see these plans at work is to observe them one day at a time. David in the Psalms say, “In the morning, I pray and then I wait.” Early in the morning, David prays for God’s favor for the entire day. Then he watches to see how his prayer is answered. One day at a time, he observes how faithful God is.
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