In recent weeks I have had several people, in an attempt to encourage me, quote the passage found in Jeremiah 29:11-13. As I read the chapters around these verses, it is obvious that God was speaking through Jeremiah to the people of Israel in an attempt to give them some hope through the promise that their exile in Babylon would last only 70 years.
Is it reasonable to take such a promise made to a specific group of people during a specific point in history and apply it generally
throughout all of history?
There are lots of verses in the Bible promising that God will not abandon us but is committed to giving us a happy fulfilling future. It’s not necessary to take others, like Jeremiah 29:11-13, out of context. Here are a few examples that have general application.
David said, “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desire of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)
Jesus said, “I have come that they might have life and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10)
Paul said, “God is working everything together for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.” (Rom. 8:28)
There are a number of others in both the Old and New Testaments.