Trusting in God's Plans: Reflecting on Jeremiah 29:11 and Finding Peace in the Unexpected

Today, we experienced a series of unexpected events that reminded us just how much we need to trust in God’s plans—plans that are often very different from our own. We had planned a trip to Ireland, eager for the event we had been preparing for. However, as we were about to board the plane, we were told that the event had been  cancelled last minute. What followed was a mixture of confusion, humour, and—eventually—peace.

At first, the situation felt frustrating. We had to delay the entire flight while we retrieved our luggage, and then we were escorted by airport staff to the luggage pick-up area. All we could do was laugh at being awake from 4am after going to bed at midnight preparing.

But as the day unfolded, it became clear that this disruption was part of God's plan. Instead of traveling to Ireland, we found ourselves back home, surrounded by the comfort of our loved ones—the mini’s and the fellowship of our local ecclesial family. We spent the day with them, enjoying the community and the peace that comes with being in the company of those who share our faith.

As we reflect on these events, one scripture keeps coming to mind: Jeremiah 29:11, which says:

"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jeremiah 29:11)

This verse is a powerful reminder that God's plans for us are filled with peace and hope. It reassures us that even when our plans are disrupted or our circumstances don’t unfold the way we envision, God is always working behind the scenes for our good. The Lord knows the "thoughts" or plans He has for us—plans to prosper us, to protect us, and to bring us to a future full of hope. It’s comforting to know that He has a purpose for everything that happens, even when we can’t see it clearly in the moment.

In a world where things often feel unpredictable, we are reminded that our Heavenly Father is sovereign over all. Proverbs 16:9 tells us, "A man's heart deviseth his way: but the Lord directeth his steps." Our hearts may devise plans and set our own course, but it is God who directs our steps. In today’s situation, our plans were derailed, but God redirected our steps in a way that allowed us to come back home, safe and sound to our family. The reason we do Anchored Hope is for them.

This brings to mind the words of Romans 8:28:

"And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28, KJV)

Even in moments of confusion or disappointment, we trust that all things work together for good—because we love God and trust His purposes. It’s not always easy to understand why things happen the way they do, but we can take comfort in knowing that God, in His infinite wisdom, is always guiding us toward what is best.

Today, as we faced the challenge of a severe storm surging across the country. We were acutely aware of the danger, but as we sat at home, safe and surrounded by family, we were reminded that God was watching over us. Psalm 91:4 promises:

"He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler."(Psalm 91:4, KJV)

In the storm, we found refuge in God's protection. Though the winds raged and the skies darkened, we knew that our Heavenly Father was our shield and buckler, keeping us safe from harm.

We are certainly tired from the day’s unexpected events, and there’s still plenty of stock left over that we had hoped to sell. But through it all, we trust in God’s perfect timing. It’s a reminder that, while we make our plans, God’s plan is always best. Isaiah 55:8-9 reminds us:

"For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, saith the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts." (Isaiah 55:8-9, KJV)

Though we may not always understand why things happen the way they do, we can trust that God’s ways are higher and better than ours. What seemed like a disappointment today was actually an opportunity to be home with family and the ecclesia, to be safe in the midst of a storm, and to remember that God’s providence is always at work.

As we conclude this day, we rest in the knowledge that Philippians 4:6-7 is true:

"Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus." (Philippians 4:6-7, KJV)

Though tired, we are at peace, knowing that God is in control, and that He will always guide us according to His perfect will. We may not understand the details, but we trust in His love, protection, and wisdom. After all, He has plans for us—a future full of hope and peace—and we can rest in that promise.