“‘For I know what I have planned for you,’ says the Lord. ‘I have plans to prosper you, not to harm you. I have plans to give you a future filled with hope. When you call out to me and come to me in prayer, I will hear your prayers. When you seek me in prayer and worship, you will find me available to you. If you seek me with all your heart and soul, I will make myself available to you.’”
—Jer. 29:11-14 (NET)
“Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God. Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not put us to shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us.”
—Rom. 5:1-5 (NIV)
Prayer + Reflection
- With new intention, seek the Lord for His thoughts toward you—and let hope arise in your heart.
- Ask God to give you the opportunity to encourage others in the midst of personal suffering.
- Pray for perseverance, and stand firm in the hope of God’s promised future for you.
