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.”

So, how are things going so far?  What is your anticipation for this new year?  Are you excited and full of hope and great anticipation for the plans you have or are you filled with fear and dread of the same ol’ same ol’ year of frustration, hurt, and loss?

Maybe now would be a good time, whether you are excited or dreading your future to be sure that your plans are actually His plans!  He knows the plans He has for you!  Do you know what His plan is?  Maybe that’s the problem, you aren’t sure what lies ahead and that is why you are filled with fear and dread, none of us really know what lies ahead~ trust Him!  It is in that darkness and our greatest times of weakness that He can shine brightest in our lives, but it doesn’t happen if we don’t give it all to Him and trust Him!  Make sure that you keep Jeremiah 29:12-13 in the forefront of your mind as well, “Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.  You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”  Focus on seeking God with all your heart, don’t leave Him somewhere on the sidelines this year!

As Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, “And He said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee:  for my strength is made perfect in weakness.  Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.  Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake:  for when I am weak, then am I strong.”  True strength in times of trouble can only come from Him.  If you try to go it alone you will find that you become “tough or hard”, not really strong.  When you go it alone, you build up walls and you develop a subtle attitude even against God because you feel as though He has let you down and didn’t show up in your time of need. Ask Him for the faith you lack and for the ability to rest in His strength, not your own!  Allow Him to bring people into your life to walk with you and strengthen you when you need it,

Follow Him today, trust Him, and make sure that your plans match up with His plans if you are truly wanting His success and blessing!  He sees the big picture and nothing is a surprise to Him so trust Him to guide you when you can’t see your way!  Remember Joseph ~ he went from prison to 2nd in command of Egypt in just a matter of a few hours!  God can turn everything around in a heartbeat ~ trust Him, knowing that His best is yet to come!