First, God’s plans are known to Him, but may or may not be known to us. God uses the word “I” referring to himself, which implies that God knows the plans that he had for Israel and conversely Israel didn’t. The fact is we may be like Israel in that God obviously knows the plans that he has for us, but we seem to be looming somewhere in the dark, waiting for a word that will give us some direction.  

If you are going through a period of bewilderment, not knowing what direction to go or where to turn, remember this: God knows what His plans are for you and he wants to reveal them. We know from the text that God wanted to reveal His plans to Israel since he inspired Jeremiah to write what he did. Similarly, He desires to show you His will, but it’s up to you and me to seek Him for it.

Secondly, God’s plans are eternal plans, thus they are eternally conceived.  Throughout eternity, there never was a time where he didn’t have your current situation in mind. Think of that! God is not taken by surprise; he knows. In Genesis, God knew that Adam and Eve were going to sin. This is why the Bible says Jesus was the lamb slain before the foundation of the world. He wasn’t taken back. The same is true in your situation. This truth liberates you and me from the fear of what might happen. We serve a God who has everything under control.

Third, “The Hebrew literally reads, ‘God knows the plans that I am planning for you.’ They are eternal plans, plans that he is presently planning.” In your current situation, God is currently situating circumstances that will lead to the fulfillment of His will. You may say what if I miss God’s will in a certain decision, then what? Some people live with the fear that if they mess up on one little point when it comes to doing the will of God, they have blown it. They suffer from the “paralysis of analysis.” This means that when you become so afraid of missing God’s will they you’re paralyzed with the fear of making the wrong decision. I believe if we are seeking God’s will, He will lead us.

Let’s say, hypothetically, that you do make the wrong decision. You took a job that wasn’t God’s perfect will or you married the unbelieving spouse they every one of your Christian friends told you not to marry. Your life is not over. In spite of a wrong decision, God still plans to use you. He is currently planning things for you to do right now. You are deeply loved and fully pleasing in His site and He plans to use you right where you’re at.