Back in 2007, before I started my career in television, I met with an old family friend who directs music videos. He, in turn, introduced me to a man named Jim Rink, another director who was gracious enough to meet with me (a nobody with a dream) and give me some career advice and guidance.
While we talked about production companies, producers and directors, it was the faith based advice he gave me, making a lasting impression. Jim told me, “The closer you get to where God wants you to be, the more obstacles the enemy will throw at you. Just be mindful of that, and work harder than ever, and trust God’s plan.”
I never forgot those gracious words of wise counsel.
“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 a hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
For so long, this was my favorite, go-to Bible verse. While I still love it very much, I view it differently. While I was growing up, I think my young, naive mind believed God would not allow any harm, whatsoever, to come my way. I believed in my hope and a future.
The trouble is, the enemy believed in it, too. And he did not want me to have hope and a future. He does not want you to have hope and a future, either.
We have an enemy. A real, legit, full on, whackadoodle, evil, corrupt enemy. And guess what his plans are? Plans to harm us. Plans to crush our hopes and future.
Spoiler alert: the enemy loses.
Along the way, though, we lose our focus. Pastor Steve Lawes taught us, “if it is not good, it is not from God. People say “well it must be God’s will,” when something bad happens, but this is not true! If it isn’t good, it’s not from God.”
Jim’s advice to me was spot on, one hundred percent accurate. The closer I got to where God wanted me to be, the enemy was throwing daggers from every direction imaginable.
“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. They are plans for good and not disaster, to give you a hope and a future.” - Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT). I love this version because God reminds us He does not plan disaster for us.
God has a plan for you, and it is a good plan. It is a not for disaster. It is for a hope and a future. And when something happens and it isn’t good, it isn’t from God. So ask God how He can use it, and change your outlook.
Disaster is not from God. Disaster is from the enemy. But God can use our disasters for good. Work harder than ever and trust God’s plan. Even during the bad times, God can and will use it for His glory, and for your hope and future.
The enemy will try to throw you off course, but God will guide you every step of the way