“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. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

The Lord’s promise is just as strong to us today as it is back when Isaiah prophesied these words. We serve a predictably good God who longs to bless His people. Though evil happens in this world because of its brokenness, God is not the author of tragic events. Nothing escapes His attention, and though we don’t understand everything that happens, we can trust in a loving God who is predisposed to pour out His love and blessings.

There is an important call to seek the Lord with a wholeheartedness that will be rewarded. Even in tragedy and adversity, the best response is to always seek the Lord and walk humbly before Him.

There are still unfulfilled expectations and dreams that have not yet come to pass in my life. I am grateful for God’s goodness to me, His provision, His direction and the privilege of pastoring His people. But I am inspired to live with a tenacity to contend for all of God’s best in my life as I seek Him and seek to do His will.

Regardless of my expectations, and regardless of what happens through the rest of my life, I know His Word remains true and endures forever. His heart is to give me a hope and a future and I will choose to believe that and live like it. He knows all things and I believe He does all things well. His promise to me is that He has chosen me, as He has chosen every believer, to be fruitful and to bear the kind of significant fruit that will last forever. My heart is to live in such a way that I do not hinder the work of the Holy Spirit in my life and through my life.

Thank You, Heavenly Father for your goodness that You have shown me. Lord Jesus, come fill me with your Holy Spirit and lead me in the path you have ordained for my life. Help me to be sensitive to your voice and responsive to the direction of the Holy Spirit. I am confident that You have a great hope and future for my life. Help me to seek you wholeheartedly so that I am able to realize all that You have planned for me.