He Knows the Thoughts He Has for Us

 

Several years ago at a women’s retreat, I met Gina—a devoted mother and wife who carried deep pain. After my session, she waited to ask, “How do you stop the hurt?” I could see the weight in her eyes. My response was another question: “Do you want to stop the hurt, or just talk about stopping it?” Gina looked puzzled. I asked what she had tried so far. She shared that she prayed often, but when I asked if she truly believed in her prayers and had set boundaries with those who hurt her, she admitted she had not. Gina’s pain had roots in childhood, when her father abused her during innocent outings. She kept this secret, but now, with her father living in her home, old wounds reopened. She lost sleep, suffered health issues, and feared for her children, sleeping by their doors at night. I encouraged Gina to set boundaries and be honest about her past. Just as property needs clear lines, our hearts need boundaries to protect our mind, body, and soul. God knows the plans He has for us—plans for hope and a future—but we must partner with Him, setting healthy limits and trusting His guidance for true healing.

Bible Verses:

• 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.”

• Romans 8:28: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

• Proverbs 19:21: “Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.”

Call to Action:

Reflect on God’s plans for your life. Are you trusting Him with your hurt, or are you holding on to pain? Make a decision today to set healthy boundaries and invite God’s healing into your heart.

Things To Remember:

• God has a good plan for your life, even in pain.

• Setting boundaries is a vital part of healing.

• Trust God’s purpose, not just your own plans.