Captivity

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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you," declares the LORD, "and will bring you back from captivity.

Lately I have felt led to send this verse to a few friends and family members who are going through struggles in their lives. I love this verse, found in Jeremiah 29 (11-14), because it is a continual reminder for me that no matter how MY plans might fall short, God still has a PLAN FOR ME... and I know that his plan is perfect.

Like many, when the plans I have made for myself seem to fall apart, I call out to God, asking him to "Make it all better", and I know from this verse that he will listen to my prayers. When I am seeking him with my whole heart, I can rest assured that He will find me... and the best part... He will bring me BACK from my captivity.

Captivity... an interesting thought isn't it. You might say that you aren't a captive... you are held by no one. But I believe that at some point or another we are all held captive by something: addictions (food, alcohol, drugs), finances, our sinful desires. Or what about being held captive by our fears? Fear of the unknown... be it in our marriages, our health, or our circumstances. Captivity leaves us feeling helpless and hopeless.

I have been there... more times than I can count... and each time my freedom occurred when I turned to God in prayer, seeking him with my whole heart, and I allowed myself to believe that there was still hope... a hope that rests squarely in my relationship with Christ.

So what is holding you captive right now? Whatever it might be, I hope that you will bury this scripture in your heart and find rest in the knowledge that God's plan is to prosper you... and give you HOPE!!!!