God's a funny guy!

Jeremiah 29:11-14

"11 I know the plans I have in mind for you, declares the Lord; they are plans for peace, not disaster, to give you a future filled with hope. 12 When you call me and come and pray to me, I will listen to you. 13 When you search for me, yes, search for me with all your heart, you will find me. 14 I will be present for you, declares the Lord"

I truly cannot think of a time I didn't need Jesus, even in my phase of unbelieving, I knew I needed Jesus. When students come to me and they tell me they feel empty, I know why. When friends are at a loss of what to do or what path to take next, I know who we need to ask for guidance.

Hope is hope because it exists in Christ, our Lord. The second definition of the word "hope" is a feeling of trust. In Jeremiah 29:11-14 we place our hope in the Trinity when we pray. We hope the Holy Spirit interprets our imperfect prayers to our Father. We hope we've asked for adequate forgiveness for all the things we fell short on. We hope God hears and answers our prayers.

But within our hope, we must have faith that our prayers will be answered only for our good. Sometimes the best prayer is an unanswered one as I have come to learn through marriage, career, and raising children. When I didn't get the job I wanted and looked back to see it was a horrible environment for me. When my children didn't become lovely creatures of the Lord overnight, I developed more patience and reliance on God. My job is to pray and search for the signs God has placed for me so I can understand His plans for me.

Remember, God is a pretty creative and funny guy, His voice may be, and most likely will be, in the most unlikely of places. Keep praying that you see what He is doing right in front of you.