It never fails.

If ever one is sad, depressed, stressed, or just in a tight spot and around enough Christians, someone is going to comfort you by quoting Jeremiah 29:11. It will go something like this:

Hey there, Champ, (side hug, shoulder pat, or playful slow chin punch). Listen… I know things are looking down right now. But I have full faith that you’re going to get everything you ever wanted and more. Remember what the Bible says in Jeremiah 29: ‘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.’ So, cheer up, champ. God says you’re A-OK.

Wow. So, basically, God intends good things alone for my life. Pretty encouraging stuff.

But it’s kind of a lie.  Continue reading →