At the beginning of this year, I began to think of the trail of destruction the enemy left when he fought my destiny. See, I was oblivious and ignorant about my position in the kingdom when I was much younger.

What was the result?

Well, the enemy saw my naivete as an open season to pester and deter me from pursuing my destiny. Lots of damage was done, but eventually, I went to the straight and narrow path and began recalibrating my path to purpose (watch my testimony on my about page to learn more).

So this past January 2024, I heard God remind me of His good plans for me, and He said, “I will redeem and restore you.”

I hope this heartfelt post is a much-needed source of encouragement for your weary soul. ❤️

Ready? Let’s go!

God Has Good Plans for You, Even In the Midst of Trials!

Sometimes, when we are beaten and bruised by the enemy, we can doubt if God still has good plans for us. We may feel lost, misunderstood, or even abandoned. Like a ship tossed about in a violent storm, life’s trials can leave us feeling disoriented and hopeless. But let me remind you of something incredibly important: God has good plans for you, too!

In the midst of your storm, it may be hard to see God’s goodness. The waves of hardship may seem to obscure the light of His promises. But remember, the sun still shines above the storm clouds. Just because we cannot see it does not mean it isn’t there. Similarly, just because we can’t see God working doesn’t mean He isn’t.

Here’s what I want to highlight: God’s plans for us often involve growth, and growth requires change. Change can be uncomfortable and even painful at times. But rest assured, the pain of growth pales in comparison to the joy of becoming who God created us to be.

Consider Joseph, who was sold into slavery by his own brothers. He spent years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Yet, God had a plan for Joseph that involved saving many lives (Genesis 50:20). Despite his circumstances, Joseph trusted God, and God transformed his trials into triumph.

You may feel like you’re in a pit today, but God is preparing you for your palace tomorrow. He is molding you, refining you, and shaping you into a vessel of honor. He is turning your test into a testimony, your mess into a message.

So take heart, dear friend. God has not forgotten you.🤗

Jesus, Our Good Shepherd: An Assurance of His Plans For Us

As a child growing up on a farm, I had the distinct pleasure of observing sheep and their relationship with the shepherd. It was fascinating to see how the sheep responded to the shepherd’s voice, how they trusted him completely for their needs, and how their behavior changed when he was around. This experience has given me a profound understanding of Jesus as our Good Shepherd and us, His followers, as His sheep.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus describes Himself as the Good Shepherd. “The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). This statement is more than a metaphor. It vividly depicts Jesus’ sacrificial love for us, His commitment to our well-being, and His promise of eternal life.

As sheep, we are called to listen to His voice and follow Him. Jesus says in John 10:27, “My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” His voice is not one of condemnation but of comfort, guidance, and assurance. When we tune our ears to His voice, we find peace amid chaos, hope amid despair, and clarity amid confusion.

The relationship between the shepherd and his sheep is marked by trust and obedience. The sheep trust the shepherd to lead them to green pastures, guide them beside quiet waters, and protect them from danger. They obey his command without hesitation, confident in his knowledge and experience. Similarly, as followers of Jesus, we can trust Him to lead us, provide for us, and protect us. We can obey His commands, confident that He has our best interests at heart.

Psalm 23 beautifully captures this trust and confidence in the Lord as our Shepherd. “The Lord is my shepherd; I lack nothing” (Psalm 23:1). With Jesus as our Shepherd, we lack nothing. He meets our physical needs, quenches our spiritual thirst, and soothes our emotional wounds. He guides us in paths of righteousness, not for our own sake, but for His name’s sake.

The faithfulness of the shepherd on our family farm was a daily reminder of God’s faithfulness to us. Just as the shepherd had good plans for his sheep – plans for their well-being, growth, and protection, so does our Good Shepherd have plans for us.

So, my sweet friend, take comfort in knowing that Jesus, our Good Shepherd, is watching over you. He knows you by name. He has good plans for you. Listen to His voice, follow His lead, and rest in His loving care. For just as the sheep are safe and secure in the presence of their shepherd, so are we in the presence of Jesus.

Encouraging Verses About God’s Plan for Your Life

Let’s take a moment to reflect on 1 Corinthians 2:9, “However, as it is written: ‘What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived’ — the things God has prepared for those who love Him.” This verse beautifully encapsulates God’s immeasurable love for us and His magnificent plans that exceed our wildest dreams.

Ephesians 2:10 affirms this, “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Friends, isn’t it awesome that you were created with purpose and designed for good works? Woo hooo! 🥳

Jeremiah 29:11 tells us, “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.” This verse is not only a promise but a declaration of God’s unwavering commitment to our well-being. His plans for us are always good because His nature is inherently good.

God’s plans for you are greater than anything you could ever imagine. Ephesians 3:20 affirms, “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us.” You may not see it now, but God is working behind the scenes, orchestrating events in your favor.