“Hope in the Hard Place of Disappointment”
“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.” Jeremiah 29:11, NIV
Scripture Reading: Jeremiah
29:4-7, 10-11
Sunday, October 9th we begin a new series of messages that will look at
some of the hard places in life that we find ourselves in. This Sunday we are
looking at the hard place of disappointment. To disappoint is “to fail to meet
the expectation or hope of.” What do you do when your expectations of how God
should act on your behalf don’t come to pass?
In Jeremiah chapter 29,
exiled to Babylon (removed from their land), God’s people were living in disappointment.
God wasn’t coming through in the way that they had hoped for. Jeremiah’s letter
to the exiles contains God’s instructions for how His people were to live while
in Babylon. God wanted His people to know that He does have a plan for their
future and that His plans are for His glory and their ultimate good. “Because God has good plans for your present
and future, you can have a sure hope in the hard times of disappointment.”
Jeremiah 29:11 of course is a
tremendous promise but it must be considered in light of its context. But
rather than diminish its significance, understanding the context makes God’s
promise even richer and more meaningful. I hope that you will be able to
worship with us this Sunday as we explore this time in Israel’s history where
in the midst of their diminished hope, God brought a message of encouragement
and meaning in their suffering. God’s people would discover that they indeed
had a tremendous hope and future, mapped out by God Himself!
Worship at Carrollwood Baptist Church, “Where All
Are Welcome!” begins at 10:30 a.m.
Bible study for all ages begins at 9:15 a.m. I look forward to seeing you this
Sunday as we corporately exalt our wonderful God and Savior, for He is worthy!
Pastor Joe
“I thank my God every time I remember you.” Philippians 1:3
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