| Hope in God's Plans! - article by Joel Hempel In many ways, hoping doesn’t make sense. Later this summer, we will be heading to Michigan City, Indiana, for a birthday party. Marcia and I can get in the car and hope we get there. I know it is northeast. However, that will only take us so far without a plan that includes GPS and a specific address. Our Christian hope is not based on wishful thinking. It is founded on God’s Plans. And yes, God has multiple plans upon which we build our hope and our lives. Scripture talks about three distinct kinds of plans. There is an eternal plan that has already been laid out with clear directions. Do you want to go to heaven when you die? Scripture declares Jesus is the Way to get there.1 What is that Way? It’s having faith in Jesus Christ as our Savior, the One who died for us, rose from the dead for us, and now lives to guide us to his side in heaven. God’s second plan – also laid out for us in His Word – is God’s Way for a flourishing life. What is the way God gives to us to follow? If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.2 Following God’s truth, clearly presented in Scripture, promises a fulfilling life. And, as we know, the greatest truth laid out for us to follow is love – self-sacrificing love of God and our neighbor. This plan does not always make sense to our culturally influenced thinking and our emotional desires. That’s why TRUST is the gift that comes with faith – the spiritual gift we pray God increases in us: Lord, I believe, help my unbelief.3 The third plan God offers is more mysterious. It is a unique plan specifically designed for each Christian. It is not a day-to-day ‘this is what you must do’ plan. Rather, it’s a calling – sometimes multiple callings or vocations – based on our individual needs as God views them, and as God needs us! I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.4 God first proclaimed these words of hope to His people while they were under the rule of Babylon. He now gives this promise to us – His individual children, and to every body of believers seeking His guidance: Don’t give up! Trust me to lead you out of darkness and uncertainty to a future prepared for you. You are not on your own. I am with you; my people are with you. Hope in the Lord! Know that my Spirit will be your guide! Hear my voice in my Word and from my people. Then, get to work and watch the plan unfold. 1. John 14:6 2. John 8:31-32 3. Mark 9:23-24 4. Jeremiah 29:11 | 
