God’s Redemption from Life’s Mistakes
by: Gary J. Palmer
February 11, 2026
“‘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.’”
One of the toughest life lessons from the book of Jeremiah to learn is that there are consequences for actions. What we do or what others do,good or bad,will have an effect on us. Like a pebble dropped on the smooth surface of a pool, the consequences of our actions move outward like waves from the impact touching everything in their path.
Some actions have far reaching consequences that touch everyone such as the decisions made by government leaders. This was the case in ancient Israel where the faithful suffered right alongside the unfaithful because of the corrupt and incompetent leaders who brought disaster upon their nation.
But even in the midst of a disaster God does not forget His people. To those who were carried away into captivity God instructed them to make the best of their situation. Even in exile, He told them they should build houses and plant fields and He would bless them. God did not forget His people, He did not forget His promise and purpose for the nation of Israel.
That is true for us as individuals as well. Even though things might be hard and even though we might feel as though we are alone, God knows our condition and He knows where we are. Everything God has planned for us will be accomplished in due time.
Just like His promise that He would gather the Jewish exiles from all the nations, He will gather us from our sufferings and sorrows. He knows our thoughts toward Him and He knows His thoughts toward us "... Thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give us a future and a hope." (v.11)
We can call upon Him and pray to Him and He will listen to us. And we can seek Him and find Him when we search for Him with all our hearts. (v.12-14) Remember, no matter where we are, nothing can separate us from Him. And remember this too, we are His children and His mind is on us and His desire is for us. His plans for us are perfect and all of His promises will be kept because no matter where we are or what we are going through, He will never leave us nor forsake us. Our Father never forgets His people.
Addendum to this message:
I often tell young people that smart people learn from their mistakes, but brilliant people learn from other peoples' mistakes. That is why you should read history and the Bible so that you can learn from the mistakes of the past in hopes that those mistakes are not repeated.
Prayer
Thank you Lord for knowing every concern of my heart and working it all out for my good. I can be at peace knowing You are in control. Would You give me radical faith to trust in You at all times and in all circumstances. I praise You for always never leaving me or forsaking me, and for always providing for me. You are so good! I love You, Lord. Amen.
Worship: Good Good Father
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One of the toughest life lessons from the book of Jeremiah to learn is that there are consequences for actions. What we do or what others do,good or bad,will have an effect on us. Like a pebble dropped on the smooth surface of a pool, the consequences of our actions move outward like waves from the impact touching everything in their path.