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 is a verse that a lot of people claim as their "life verse."
I see it on key chains and t-shirts all the time around graduation season.
I see it on Facebook statuses and coffee mugs.
But...well, I wonder if it means what we usually think it means. I've always thought it meant that we would go to a good college, get a cushy job, live in a fancy house, meet the perfect person, get married, have four beautiful children, and live happily ever after. That scenario certainly screams prosperity, lack of harm, hope, and future...at least from a worldly standpoint.
John 16:33
"I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.
James 1:2-4
Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
Those, and many, many other, verses speak of the certainty and value of trials and hardships and suffering. Jesus rebukes the rich young ruler and tells him to sell everything he owns.
So I'm starting to think that the prosperity won't come in this lifetime and that our hope is in the next life.
Maybe everyone else has already thought about these things and I'm late to the party, but these are some things I started thinking about the other day. I'd definitely love to hear you input.
Well, that's all. Thanks for reading.
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