“‘For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope.’” Jeremiah 29:11

A bright future and hope are dawning on the horizon, but they may not be as close as we think. At least that was the message surrounding this great promise. Verse 10 is as important as this verse: “For thus says the LORD, ‘When seventy years have been completed for Babylon, I will visit you and fulfill My good word to you, to bring you back to this place.’”

Wait a minute; seventy years?! Seventy long, agonizing years in a land of exile? Seventy years yearning for hope’s realization? For many, if not most, seventy years would be beyond a lifetime. Such are many of the promises of God. We glimpse them from afar, but they are not to be realized this side of eternity. But, does this in any way diminish our anticipation, and our efforts to remain faithful until hope is sight? Certainly not. A verse that follows reflects a response to hope, which itself is rich with promise: “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13

While we are waiting we diligently seek our Creator. Whether hope’s fulfillment is near or far away, we steadfastly focus on “the God of hope.” Since hope’s fulfillment is inseparably bound to Him, it makes perfect sense, doesn’t it?

Seventy years is a lifetime. Some will exceed this mark, while others will never achieve it. But a lifetime of faithfulness and devotion is not too high a price to pay for all He has in store for us.

- From the upcoming book, "Hope for Uncertain Times."

Be sure to also visit http://thetruthrevolution.wordpress.com/ & https://kingdomdreamer.blogspot.com/

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