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NASB | Jeremiah 29:11 'For I know the plans that I have for you,' declares the LORD, 'plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | Jeremiah 29:11 'For I know the plans and thoughts that I have for you,' says the LORD, 'plans for peace and well-being and not for disaster to give you a future and a hope. |
Bible Question: also is it just satan's big lie to make us question what is good? when we try to do better our situation seems to get worse, why? |
Bible Answer: Hi sqkeener, Scripture refers to satan as the father of lies (John 8:44). Actually, the scriptures teach us much about satan. It also teaches us in James 1:14 we are tempted by our own lust. James 1:14-15 (NASB) 1:14 But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. 1:15 Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. It is not satan that always deceives us but our own sinful nature leads us into sin as well if we give into it. Your question is a broad one, but a very good one to consider for all. I say this because we (Christians) need to understand who God is, what does He teach us about Himself in scripture? What does He teach us about satan, evil, and our own nature? If we are to know the difference between what is of God and what is evil then we must know and understand what scripture teaches us. It is important for us to study His word and spend time with Him. The more we understand of Him the better equipped we are to discern what is of God and what is of evil. A good example we can look to on this subject is when Jesus told Peter “Get behind Me, satan” (Matthew 16:23). Now as we read the passage of scripture (Matthew 16:21-23), one might first think that what Peter was doing was the right thing. Obviously, Peter thought it was. But we see from Jesus rebuke of Peter an excellent example of why your question is so important for us to consider. It is obvious from the Lord’s words to Peter, that Peter was influenced by evil. It may seem hard to grasp but the Lord’s words are clear as He says "… Get behind Me, Satan! You are a stumbling block to Me; for you are not setting your mind on God’s interests, but man's." (Matthew 16:23 NASB). This is a good example as it shows us the contrast of what we may perceive to be good and what are actually the things of God. Using this passage of scripture we can see that Peter did not fully understand what the Lord had just told them in verse 21. Had he have known and understood perhaps he would not have been tempted to and/or acted on the temptation to do that which contradicted the will of God. It appeared to Peter the right thing to do would be to prevent the Lord from going and suffering these things. This seems logical and it is easy to understand why Peter would have acted this way. But it was God’s will that Jesus suffer all these things and be put to death and be raised again from the dead. The Lord Jesus recognized the evil as it was clearly in contradiction to the will of God. This is also a good example (in my opinion) of how mankind's ways can and do fall short when compared to God's ways. How do we know the difference? By knowing what the will of God is! We study His word, seek Him out daily through His word, prayer, fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ, and get to know Him and what He has revealed to us through His word and through His creation. It is not always easy as you can see from the example of Peter given above. But we must strive to study His word and seek His will. Even if it may seem right to us, if it contradicts the will of God, it is sinful and must be rejected! Hope this is in some way helpful as I think your question is a good one and is important to not only understand but to apply as well. God bless, Steve |