We love quoting Jeremiah 29:11 when life is uncertain. But did you know it was actually spoken to a people stuck in exile? Here’s what it really means and why that’s even better news for us today.

Most mornings I write before the house wakes up. This one began in the quiet, with a psalm that met me where I was. Maybe it will meet you there too.

Spiritual growth rarely happens overnight. It’s like planting a fruit tree—years of watering and waiting before you see any sign of fruit. But just because you don’t see change doesn’t mean nothing is happening. God is always at work, preparing you for the harvest. The real question is, will you be ready when the fruit comes?

Have you ever faced a moment when everything seemed to fall apart? Maybe a job opportunity didn’t work out. A door you prayed would open stayed firmly shut. A season you expected to bring growth and joy turned into one of waiting and frustration. In the moment, it’s hard to see anything good. But later, sometimes much later, you realize that what felt like a setback was actually God setting you up for something greater.