It is always important to read the Bible in its context and what the culture was like when it was written. Such as Jeremiah 29 v 11. This is a very popular scripture amongst Christians, but it has to be read properly. Here is the scripture.
11 “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 scripture was written by the prophet Jeremiah when the Jewish people were under control of the Babylonians and were in exile. The exile was planned by God because of Israels sinfulness and with God being a just God he had to do something.
Even though the Jewish people asked the Lord to deliver them he did not do that straight away, Israel remained in exile for 70 years, but he did give them hope, and that is why Jeremiah 29 v 11 was written, to let the Jewish people know they will be delivered, and that they will have hope and a better future at some point.
Even though the context of this scripture was written for the Jewish people in a time they were facing suffering and hardship, you, in todays times, can also claim this promise for your life. It could be that you are going through a time of suffering yourself. We want to tell you that God has a plan for your life, a plan not to hurt you but to prosper you and give you a better future, just like he did for his people thousands of years ago.
So if life is tough then why not come and see what the Christian faith is all about. God can deliver you, make your path straight and give you purpose just as he did in times after the exile of Israel. These promises of God are for you to claim, you just need to learn how to walk in them.
Visit us at Church in the Avenue
If you have a natural curiosity about existence or God, then why not pay us a visit. We are happy to have a friendly talk and you can come and listen to our family service to quench that curiosity. Our family service takes place every Sunday where people are welcome to join us for refreshments from 10.45am.