Jeremiah 29:11

“For God so loved the world, He gave his only begotten son that whoever shall believe in Him shall not perish but have everlasting life.”

-John 3:16

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This is the first bible verse I learned.  My granddaddy taught it to me.  As a Christian, it is the very core of what we believe.  It’s where we place our hope.  Hope that God loves us and had a plan for us from the very beginning. God gave His one and ONLY son so that while I am yet in sin, I will live.  Flesh death is NOT the final death.  It has no power over us.

For this reason, this verse has never left me.  It is always there in the back of my mind.  When I am down and discouraged or have a foggy mind and can’t articulate a word to God, I just thank Him for giving His son for a sinner like me.  And yet, despite it’s power, John 3:16 is not my favorite verse.  No, that honor is reserved for 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 29:11

I don’t remember when, where, or how I first came to meet this scripture, but it gives me hope when I’m hopeless and confidence when I am without.  God is telling me that he does have a plan for my life.  Despite where I think I should be or what I think I should have, God has a plan.  I can be confident when my plans are not coming together because God has a plan!!

I want to be married.  God has a plan. I want to have children. God has a plan.  I want to prosper in my career.  God has a plan.  I want to pay off my student loans. God has a plan. God’s plan is for good (Genesis 50:20).  God has given me hope and a future.

This verse comforts me when I am lost, discouraged, or feeling helpless. This verse helps me when I am in despair.  This verse makes me thankful. This verse makes me grateful.  This verse helps me to be reflective. Because I know that God’s plan is better than anything that I could plan for myself, this verse gives me hope, faith, and a more expectant prayer life.

What’s your favorite verse and what does it mean to you?

Author: Marlene Dior

Marlene was born in Lexington, Kentucky. Although, raised as a "military brat" thus having grown up in many places, Lexington will always be home (Go Big Blue #BBN ;-) ). She received her Bachelor's of Arts from Georgia State University. She went on to complete her Master's of Education from Texas Southern University here in Houston, Texas. Most recently, God showed favor on Marlene in that she earned her Doctor of Education degree from Texas Southern University. Currently, Marlene serves as an assistant principal for a public, urban school district in the greater Houston area.