Pastor's Reflection 2024-12-19
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.”
I cannot believe it is 2025 already! As 2025 rapidly approaches, I feel a mix of emotions: hope, uncertainty, excitement, and even a little fear of the unknown. What will 2025 hold for us? How will our health fare during 2025? How will the new political situation play out? Will our loved ones be OK? And many more questions. When I feel unsure about the future, I often turn to the words of 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.” Jeremiah was writing to the exiled Israelites who were living in Babylon. Babylon was country where they felt very much out of place. The Babylonians treated the Israelites terribly. Over time the Baylonians had destroyed the homes, the temple, and the economy of the Israelites. And on top of all that the Israelites were enslaved by the Babylonians. I would think that the Israelites would react in one of two ways; find a way to leave or fight back with violence. But God spoke through Jeremiah and he had a very different message. Jeremiah encouraged them to trust in God’s plan, to remain faithful and to basically make themselves at home in Babylon, and to know that everything would be all right in the end.
This verse reminds me of an important truth - however 2025 unfolds we ought to remember that God has a plan for us in the new year! And in God’s plan is designed to give us hope, hope that everything will work out in the end. As we face of uncertainties in 2025 Jeremiah’s words can remind us to remain faithful because it will get better, just like it did for the Israelites.
In 2025, our job is to trust that the same God who spoke to Jeremiah, will be at work in our lives throughout the new year. In 2025 God will weave together a beautiful story of hope and purpose for all of us; even when we encounter obstacles.
My prayer is also that we all commit again to being a church community that reflects God’s love and brings hope to those around us! Wesley has been and I hope will continue to be, a source of encouragement, a light in someone’s darkness, and a reminder of the wonderful future that God promises. Together, let’s step confidently into 2025, knowing that God’s plans for us will always be good.
May your New Year be one of abundant blessings! Happy New Year!
Rev. John
This verse reminds me of an important truth - however 2025 unfolds we ought to remember that God has a plan for us in the new year! And in God’s plan is designed to give us hope, hope that everything will work out in the end. As we face of uncertainties in 2025 Jeremiah’s words can remind us to remain faithful because it will get better, just like it did for the Israelites.
In 2025, our job is to trust that the same God who spoke to Jeremiah, will be at work in our lives throughout the new year. In 2025 God will weave together a beautiful story of hope and purpose for all of us; even when we encounter obstacles.
My prayer is also that we all commit again to being a church community that reflects God’s love and brings hope to those around us! Wesley has been and I hope will continue to be, a source of encouragement, a light in someone’s darkness, and a reminder of the wonderful future that God promises. Together, let’s step confidently into 2025, knowing that God’s plans for us will always be good.
May your New Year be one of abundant blessings! Happy New Year!
Rev. John
Posted in Newsletter 2024-12-19