As children, we have dreams of what we want to be when we grow up. As grown-ups, we dream of what we want to accomplish before we die. Our dreams motivate us and encourage us to work hard. They keep us on target. They keep us from giving up. But what do we do when our dreams are shattered?

How do we get past the shattered dreams?

_ Read Psalm 103:19, Daniel 4:34-37, Isaiah 45:5. In as few words as possible, note below what these verses tell us about God.

_ Read 1 John 4:8, 1 John 4:16. What do you learn from these verses about the character of God?

_ Read John 10:29. Where does Jesus say that the believer is in relation to God?

If God is sovereign, if He is love and if He has you in the palm of His hand (as you have discovered in the preceding Passages), then what do you know about the evil one being able to get you?

_ Read Jeremiah 29:11. What does God have for you?

In connection with Jeremiah 29:11, consider also Isaiah 14:24-27 and 46:8-11. Record what you learn about God’s purposes in general.

Adding this to what you learned in Jeremiah 29, what does this say about the plan or purpose that God has for you?

_ Read Jeremiah 1:12 and Matthew 5:17-18. What do these verses tell you about the promises that God gives in scripture?

_ Read Deuteronomy 32:39; Isaiah 45:7, Proverbs 16:4. From these verses, and considering also the stories of Joseph, Job, and Jesus, who would you say is in control of the bad times when they happen?

_ Read Romans 8:28; 2 Corinthians 4:7-16. What is the end of all your trials, suffering and other bad times?

Think about the conclusion that can be drawn from the above passages when taken in combination. How does it make you feel to understand the following seven principles?

1. God is in control of all things.
2. He is love.
3. He has you in the palm of His hand.
4. He has a plan or purpose for your life and His plans cannot be thwarted.
5. All the promises of scripture must come to fruition.
6. Even the calamity in your life is brought by the Heavenly Father who loves you.
7. All things good or bad that happen to His children end up for the glory of His kingdom.

Record your insights.