In this month of May, 2025, America saw the largest number of graduates in the history of the United States. Our family has attended one graduation ceremony, and I bet many of you have attended one, if not more. Graduations are a celebration for the hard work achieved through a multiple years of classes. But I learned with this most recent graduation, that a graduation is actually a celebration of commencement in going forward in life.
I’m celebrating my own commencement, of sorts. In February I reported a new milestone for me – taking a year-long seminar to achieve better life-long health. I’m halfway through the class and have lost 17.1 pounds and lowered my A1C (my pre-diabetes glucose scale). Yes, I’m taking baby steps, but they are steps forward in achieving optimum health. The detriment of not doing so … well, we don’t want to go there.
One of my favorite Bible verses is Jeremiah 29:11: “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.”
I don’t think it was coincidence that on the very day I received some bad news about a health situation I’d been having, I received a phone call to invite me to attend this weekly health improvement course. I believe it was God’s timing.
God cares about me and every minute detail in my life. Jesus knows the numbers of hairs on my head (Luke 12:7). Jeremiah’s message was to a group of people held captive. Ripped from their homes, they now lived in exile. Jeremiah was reminding them that even though they are not where they wanted to be, God has not forgotten them and still cares for them. God’s plan will stand and God’s plans are always good. God promises to restore them, although it may not be quick. They can move forward, assured God’s plan will have everything made right.
Just like today, even though I’m not in perfect health, I am in better health. God is reminding me He has a plan and a purpose. He also reminds me as I submit to His plan, blessings will come in my life and to others.
God wants to use you to be a blessing to others. Are you ready to submit?
Debby Efurd is co-founder of Cary John Efurd Ministries of Pittsburg, TX. She has been a contributor to Bound for Life and written numerous articles published in LifeNews, Christian Post and the Baptist Standard, and is the author of Go Tell It! Debby can be contacted at caryjohnefurdinistries@gmail.com. Visit her at the Second Mile blog at https://debbyefurd.com.
Tagged: health journey, purpose and calling, scripture
