“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13
Hadi felt like giving up. Nothing was going right for the Indonesian factory owner. But then he heard a radio program that reminded him once again, of the source of his strength.
Hadi was discouraged about almost everything in his life. Married for 13 years, he still had no children. His manufacturing business was heading for trouble as sales were stagnant and the price of raw materials continued to rise. He definitely felt like giving up.
But on one dreary morning, a radio program caught his ear. It was a short devotional titled, “When You Feel Like Giving Up.” The speaker focused on these verses from scripture: “‘For I know the plans I have for you,’ says the Lord. ‘They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen. If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me’“ (Jeremiah 29:11-13). “Note especially those last words,” said the speaker. “‘You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.’ God rewards those who seek Him, and in your determination to do His will, you will find peace and great joy.”
Have you felt like giving up lately? Maybe you’ve been pursuing something other than God. He always welcomes you back.
Hadi remembered his true source of joy. It wasn’t his marriage, although he loved his wife. It wasn’t in his business success, which he’d enjoyed up until now. The meaning in his life came from His relationship with Jesus. Hadi shared, “By listening to the devotional this morning, I have the strength and comfort from the Holy Spirit.”
You can help others like Hadi discover the true source of peace and great joy. Send devotionals like this to millions around the world in their own languages. Give a gift today at guidelines.org.
