An Expected End

Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”

The verse above gives the reason why every Christian should live according to God’s Word and will for their life. He says that His thoughts are “toward you…to give you an expected end.” In other words, God is looking out for your best interests. Everything the LORD asks you to do is so that you can live a peaceful life and not have to endure the evils of sin. Let me give you several observations concerning God’s expected end.

First, God has a plan for your life. God didn’t allow you to be born for no purpose. God created you so that you can fulfill His purpose to the end. You may think that there is nothing for you to do for the LORD, but the verse above says differently. The verse above says that His thoughts are “toward you.” This implies that God not only thought enough about you to allow you to be born but that you are constantly in His thoughts. You are important to God; don’t let anyone tell you differently.

Second, God has already been to your end. You will notice that God has an “expected end” for you. In other words, He has your life planned all the way to the end. He knows where He is guiding you, and He knows what you will face. The comfort for the Christian comes from knowing that your future was designed by God; therefore, there is peace in following God.

Third, His plan doesn’t say that you won’t have to endure hardness. God has an expected end, but that doesn’t mean that you won’t have to endure hardness before you get to the end. My friend, you will have difficulties you must endure on your way to the end, but don’t give up before you get to the end. God knows what your end holds; you just have to trust Him to guide you through those difficult times.

Fourth, you must follow His plan to the end of life to enjoy the peace He has for you. God’s thoughts were peace, but the peace He has is at the end. Let me encourage you not to quit serving the LORD before you get to the end. The greatest testimony for the LORD is one who serves Him and never wavers from doing right to the end of their life. God’s thoughts towards you are for you to complete His will for your life to the end. Don’t be one who ends the journey before you see the fruit of peace that He has for you.

Fifth, the difference between the world and God is that God has an expected end, and the pathway of the world leads to the unknown. The biggest reason you should follow the LORD’s plan for your life is because He knows where His life brings you. Too many Christians are following the way of the world thinking that it is better, but what they don’t know is where that pathway ends. The biggest reason for following the old paths is because we know those paths lead to a life of peace with God.

Christian, you can choose to go a different way than what God has prescribed for you in His Word, but you don’t know where that will end. The good thing about following the LORD is that He knows where He is guiding you, and He has already shown you that His end is peace. Your choice in life is to follow a path that leads to the unknown, or trust God and follow His Word and will which leads to an expected end of joy and peace. My advice is to choose God’s way for your life.

Author: Allen Domelle