By Brother Matthew Henson
Last week we investigated the first part of Jeremiah 29:11 where the “you” is plural, speaking to a community for whom God has a plan. God is one who works in the life of a community, while working in the life of the individual. When we limit our faith understanding and expression to an individual, we tend to not see the importance of corporate worship, small groups, and shared times of prayer. It is much easier to excuse ourselves from regular attendance to our spiritual disciplines in community and neglect the “meeting together” as Hebrews 10:25 invites us to do.
In the second part of Jeremiah 29:11 we read, “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” God’s plan for us as a community seeking God’s will for our lives is filled with hope. In the New Revised Standard Version, the translators rendered the final words of this sentence, “a future with hope.” As a community, we recognize God’s way is hope-filled even amid struggles, difficulty, and adversity. Throughout the history of the Church, we have witnessed the struggles of martyrdom and persecution where women and men have been willing to give their lives in faithfulness to the Lord. These women and men willingly laid down their lives to death in ways that the world would see their lives as disasters. Yet in the future hope of God’s plan, we recognize as a community that though there may be struggles, our future is hope-filled through our relationship with Jesus.
When I look at my life in only an individualistic way, I tend to question God’s presence when difficulties arise and there seems to be disasters in my personal life. I want my life to be smooth, without any issues or problems. When I view my life through community eyes, I tend to see God at work in the community, bringing new life. The God who brings beauty from ashes in my individual life, is working to bring something amazing to the community of believers who are daily seeking Him. This may mean there will be difficulties at times and disasters may rock our world, yet we can have faith that God is working out a greater plan—His plan!
How do we understand our life as lived out in community when it comes to struggles and issues? Can we sense the fullness of God’s faithfulness and hope we have that God is working out a greater plan? Can we see the bigger picture of God’s love expressed to a community and inviting us to see God’s work not only in our lives as individuals but as a community?
I am challenged to see God’s plan for the community and to celebrate God’s plan coming to fruition even during my own personal struggles. When I see brothers and sisters in Christ who are celebrating and life seems to be going smooth, I can join them in their celebration because I know God is at work. I do not have to become jealous or envious of their celebrations during my struggles because I know I serve a faithful God who is working out His plan and purposes.
Prayer: Lord, when I am struggling, help me be reminded of your plan and purpose for the community. Help me celebrate with those who are celebrating and to be present with those who are struggling, no matter my own condition. I want to be in your plan for my life as an individual and as a community. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
