Jeremiah 29:11

Dear friends,

A quote written by Holley Gerth really made me think and I'd like to share it with you:

"God had good plans for His Son-- but they still included a cross."

After reading this quote, I've realized the value of Jeremiah 29:11...Yes God loves us, Yes He has good plans for us but he's not promising that it's always going to be sunshine and roses. Sometimes, life throws you curveballs, sometimes you may have the rug pulled out from under you, sometimes you may wonder why God is allowing (name it) in your life. It's then, that you've got to remember the sacrifice of His Son. Jesus Christ is One with God the Father and Holy Spirit. Yet even He took serious mental, physical and spiritual hits (worse than curveballs or having the rug pulled out from under you) all throughout His time and ministry on this planet Earth. Now, most (if not all) of us mere mortals want to call it quits after enduring a trial-by-fire once. Imagine enduring trials-by-fire for all of your life and having the people you're trying to save (the reason for enduring the trials by fire) hate and do all sorts of cruel things to you-- that's only a little of what Jesus went through during His time on this Earth. 

Back to the quote-- when I read that the good Lord our God had good plans for his Son but did not leave out the years of pain and heartache that His Son would endure in order to save the world (quite literally) I am inspired and gain a healthier, more positive perspective on my own trails because it's then that I am reminded of the bigger picture, one that spans worldwide, one of which you and I are each an important detail, each needed to make the picture complete. God had a purpose for the cross in Jesus Christ's life-- to save the world from their sins and eternal death. God knew that with the sacrifice of His Son JESUS on the Cross of Calvary, the story of salvation would begin and the stage would be set for every human being to have a chance at eternity. 

I know, it's not easy to thank God for trials...but remember, God has a higher purpose for everything He allows to happen to us and His plans for us go past our lives on this Earth...The Bible says, "But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him"(1 Corinthians 2:9, King James Version). God has great things in store for all who believe in His Son Jesus Christ. Remember, God loves us with His life and He wants us all to be saved, that's why His good plans for His Son included a cross. :)

Be blessed!

Love,

Alexis