Ready:
"For I know the plans I have for you" -- this is the Lord's declaration -- "plans for your welfare, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope."
-Jeremiah 29:11
Set:
Not long ago, Mike Tyson resurfaced in the news. He had begun fighting and training once again, and large crowds were gathering just to see him practice. Tyson has been out of the ring for some time, and reporters were airing past clips and interviews with him. One thing he said in a past interview that had been filmed after a loss really struck me. With sweat dripping off his face, Tyson responded to a reporter's question about what would happen to him next, "I don't know, maybe fade into oblivion."
Tyson, the one-time world champion, whose name is known all over the world, stated after a defeat that he would just fade away.
Unfortunately for Tyson, none of us were created to fade into oblivion. In Jeremiah, God reveals that He has a purpose and a plan for everyone. There is a future, and it comes with a hope attached to it. Yes, losing is tough -- every athlete and coach knows that. But it is not the end of the world. Nor does losing affect the destiny we have with our God.
So, where are you today? How are you dealing with life's setbacks and defeats? I challenge you today to turn to God. Trust Him. He has a plan for you that involves "welfare" and "hope." Take Him at His Word.
Go:
1. What was the hardest defeat you've experienced?
2. How does losing affect you?
3. How do you treat others when you lose?
4. Do you believe that God has a plan to prosper you, or do you believe He wants you to fail? If you don't trust Him, who can talk to about the character of God?
Workout:
Proverbs 3:5-6
Jeremiah 29:4-14