Because Our God is Big!
The Hope Herald
Jeremiah 29:11 is one of most well-known and encouraging verses in the Bible. It declares: For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.
This is a statement made by Jeremiah as he was encouraging those who were in exile. He told the Jews that while they lived in Babylon that they should live their lives as they would have if they were at home, getting married, building houses, having children, taking care of their welfare.
Our men often feel like exiles. They are abandoned by family members and are outcasts of society. They are often the forgotten. Many have been exiled, sent to prison or some other similar confinement.
When You Feel Like You Will Lose
Consider for a moment, the plight of the Jews. They had been ripped from their land and taken far away to Babylon where much of their culture the Babylonians attempted to eradicate. They were likely separated from parents, children, and other relatives. They had to feel like God was far from them.
However, in this moment, God revealed to them that He intended to make them prosper. He had plans for them that they could not even begin to understand yet, because all they could see is captivity. God had not forgotten them.
We serve a big God, One who has already worked out all things according to His purpose (Romans 8:28). He had already made the preparations for the Jews to return to Jerusalem and He had already set in motion the things that needed to happen so that would be able to freely return. Our big God knows all and is constantly making the right moves to make all things occur according to that amazing plan of His.
For our men, He has already done the same thing. Maybe society looks on them as “losers” (much as the Babylonians viewed Judah), but they are already winners because God is going to restore them. They are not cast outs any longer. Instead, they are given a hope and a future.
Our Big God Moves Mountains
We serve an amazingly big God. Nothing is beyond His abilities. That is true for our men and for our program.
While we have had some recent departures, a thing that saddens us deeply, we know that our big God is still caring for each one of those men. We also know that He is caring and building a bright future for each of our current participants. We have three men who are in their last phase of the program and are already working outside jobs. We have a man about to get his son back, and three more men who are about to get driver’s licenses. Our big God has a plan for their welfare and has set a future that will be truly astounding for each one.
How do we know this? For the same reason that the Jews had confidence while in exile. God always keeps His promises, and He has made a promise to our men during their time of “exile” that He had great plans for them.
We also know that our big God has a huge plan for the future of Hope CDA. Those plans are already in motion as we have a team developing plans for new enterprises. In fact, we will see that happen within the next two months.
In addition, God has called us to expand our program again, as we look to get to 20 by the end of 2025. A big plan? An ambitious plan? Absolutely, but a plan that is in no way too grand for our big God. In fact, it is already perfectly planned to succeed because He has plans for the welfare of Hope CDA and has given this ministry a future and a hope.
Hope Good News
On Monday, Steve Straub came from the electrician’s union to speak to our participants. He talked to the men during construction class and will do so tomorrow and on Monday and Tuesday of next week as well. This gives the men a great chance to seek a very fulfilling career as an electrician… Eric Wilson is continuing to flourish, taking a job at State Farm. Eric received his license in insurance sales and began his new job on Monday… Faith Presbyterian Church donated tools, clothing, and toolboxes last week. It was a very generous gift to help our men to be better equipped
Prayers for the Week
We ask you to join in prayer for these things:
- Nick’s grandmother is very ill. Prayers of comfort for Nick and his family.
- A lot of people are sick at Hope CDA. Please pray for good health.
- Brian opted to leave Hope CDA and join a recovery community in Davenport. We pray that God will keep him safe and on the right pathway to success.
- We have four new coaches in our program. Please pray that God uses them in amazing ways to help our men grow.
Tuesday Night Encouragement at Hope CDA
This Tuesday Pastor Dave O’Vell from Hillside Wesleyan Church will be our featured speaker. This is the first time that Pastor O’Vell has delivered the message
