I was traveling on I-64 in East St Louis at fifty-five miles an hour when I noticed stopped traffic ahead of me. I slammed on the breaks and barely missed hitting a tractor-trailer.
Later that night, two thoughts came to mind. First, Jesus preserved my life—and I thank God for that. I could have had serious injuries or maybe even died had I hit that semi-trailer. Second, I remembered the verse from Jeremiah: “I have good plans for you not to hurt you. I will give you hope and a future.”
The Lord has a purpose for me on this earth. But many times I have wondered. My past has been littered with great trials, learning disabilities when I was in school, and an alcoholic mom who eventually committed suicide. With both of my parents abandoning me and never remarrying, I have felt unloved and purposeless.
Maybe my purpose is to share Jesus with a broken world. I know others have experienced the trials I have encountered. Maybe my hope and future are to show others how to have hope while using my personal experiences.
We all have a reason for being here, and so do you. Ask the Lord to show you the good plans He has for you.
(Photo courtesy of pixabay.)
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Ken Ebright is a former Minnesotan who lives in Belleville, Illinois. He plays a keyboard, sings in a men’s choir, and does street witnessing.