Live According to the Plan

"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

This passage of scripture came to mind through a series of thoughts I have had since hearing the Josh Hamilton story. Josh Hamilton is a 27 year old outfielder for the Texas Rangers. Last night Josh set a home run derby record by hitting 28 home runs in a single round at the historic Yankee Stadium.

What many people are now finding out is that Josh is not only an amazing baseball player but he is also a recovering crack addict. Josh had been down a road of distruction, living according to Satan's game plan to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10). But as you read his story found at espn.com you will plainly see that Jesus Christ has changed his life.

This reminded me of the speaker we had for our Western Nebraska FCA Banquet in Gering last April. Steve Fitzhugh is a former Denver Bronco and current national spokesperson for FCA's drug and alcohol free ministry One Way 2 Play. Steve has had his whole family destroyed by drugs and alcohol. Steve most likely would have went down the same path had he not responed to a little nugget of truth when he was confronted with it: "For I know the plans for you", declares the Lord."

Hear Steve's Entire Story at the 2008 Western Nebraska FCA Banquet.

Now this passage of scriptue does not mean that we will now get what we want. The scripture does say "the plans I have for you". God's plan of prosperity is for us to be with Him. As both Steve and Josh have found, our sinful desire for what we think is prosperous prevents this from happening. We need Jesus so desperately. That is why you see both Steve and Josh living with the freedom they now live with. Because they are no longer bound to those sinful desires. They have surrendered their life and Jesus has set them free through his death on the cross and His reserection from the dead. Now living life and Doing Sports God's Way.

May we live according to the plan that is only possible through Jesus.

Nate Lewis
FCA-Area Representative
Western Nebraska