“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)

A person resigns from a job with no clear alternative in sight. Then, just a few days later, a friend alerts him to a vacancy in another organization and, upon applying, he is immediately hired. While it is not common for someone who has just lost or left a job to receive an even better opportunity so quickly, it does happen. Sometimes it may be because the person is highly skilled and in demand. But beyond that, there is also the comforting truth that Almighty God watches over His own.

Deuteronomy 31:8 says, “The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” These were the words spoken to Joshua after he received the commission to succeed Moses. In the battles that followed, Joshua experienced remarkable victories because God had gone ahead of him. At one point, he faced five kings at once and defeated them despite having fewer men. “The Lord said to Joshua, “Do not be afraid of them; I have given them into your hand. Not one of them will be able to withstand you” ( Joshua 10:8).

This is our joy and comfort as believers: we serve the Almighty God who not only prepares the way for us but also goes ahead of us. One may face a difficult situation, such as losing a job without knowing what comes next. Yet the Lord assures us, “I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron. I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name” ( Isaiah 42:3-5).

Prayer today: Lord Father God of Abraham, Maker of heaven and earth, today I surrender to you all my needs and desires, assured that in every situation You have a good plan for me and have gone ahead of me. This I pray in Jesus’ name.