Submitted by Amanda Villiers, PWOCI Administrative Coordinator
“…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 29:11
This has always been one of my favorite scriptures… but, this particular truth has taken on new meaning for my family this year. We found out sometime this spring that my husband would be heading off for his 4th deployment overseas. The thing that I struggled with the most was the fact my husband was going to be deployed with a “non-deployable” unit… Although we had hoped to be stable for 3 years before the army would again send him overseas… the Lord had other plans! From this scripture, I know the Lord wants me to prosper. I looked up various definitions of the word prosper and here is what I found it to mean; to thrive (more than just surviving), steadily grow (where He has called me), and undergo a transformation (through my circumstance). We may not always know why the Lord brings certain circumstances into our lives, we just need to trust that His plan is PERFECT! It also gives me peace knowing that in His infinite wisdom, He has the “big picture” in mind!
Where are you putting your trust, hope and confidence… is it in the world or your circumstance? How about your spouse or your kids, your physical health or your financial well-being? Make Christ your one HOPE and the one constant in your life…even in the ever changing military life! I encourage you to meditate on this scripture as well when the Lord calls you into a new season or unexpected change in your life!
Find rest, Oh my soul, in God alone; my hope (expectation in the KJV) comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken. My salvation and my honor depend on God; he is my mighty rock, my refuge. Trust in him at all times, O people; pour out your hearts to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:5-8 NIV
