“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)

Life often brings pain and setbacks, but we have a choice to let hope be our guide, not our past hurts. When we allow our hope to shape our future, we’re choosing to believe that God’s plans are greater than our hardships. Hope redirects our focus from what has been lost or broken to the promises that lie ahead. This doesn’t mean we ignore pain; rather, we honor it by trusting God to transform it into purpose.

God invites us to look beyond our pain and lean into His promises. As we put our trust in Him, our lives are shaped not by the wounds we carry but by the future He has prepared for us. Each step forward is a declaration that our hope is stronger than our hurt and that our faith is greater than our fears.

How can you let hope, rather than past hurts, shape the direction of your life?