Puzzlement

A few days ago, I was shopping at Bereans, a Christian store. As I walked around the gift section, I happened to see a cross shaped porcelain statuette about 10 inches high. On the front was an inscription that caught me by surprise.

The verse was from Jeremiah 29:11,

"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."

Uh, okay..... prosper? Hmmm..... no harm? Ummm..... a future? .... hope?

My immediate reaction was to look away. A normal response to escape something unpleasant. This verse stung, a taunt to remind me what this disease will be deny me. And, deep inside, I also feared how this blow - a biblical promise that would not be kept - would impact my faith.

Unexpectedly, almost as quickly as I began to turn away, I stopped and turned back to view this verse again. Why, I did this, I couldn't tell you; I still don't know why. But, I stepped closer and leaned in and read the verse again, then again, carefully and slowly.

"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."

As I read..... pondered the words..... my fears began to evaporate. My faith was not faltering as feared, instead it was there, stronger than I realized, reassuring me God would be there. I began to see that this was not a promise denied but rather a promise yet to be understood. Now, more puzzled than hurt, I began to ask:"Well... okay God, then what is your plan for me?"; "In what way will I prosper?"; "If I die, what is it more important that you are protecting?"; "What is my real hope and future?"

I didn't get my answer there from God and I don't know what the answers are yet but, I have marked the verse; it is his promise to me. I claim it.

Okay God, ball is in you court..... I'm waiting.