The Future

 Nobody can predict the future. Meteorologists try but they do not always get the forecast right. It is raining outside my office though the forecast did not call for rain in this part of Texas today. Light showers were supposed to develop much further north. Sports analyst compare game statistics and predict which team will win but they are not always right. Just look at the teams in the Final Four. How many predicted those final four teams when March madness began? Economist often miss the mark when trying to predict what the economy will do. Retailers are often far off in their assessment of fashion trends resulting in sales losses.

It is foolish for you and I to sit around trying to predict the course of our future. It would be much wiser to remain yielded to God and obey His leadership.

God had a specific word for Joshua spoken through Moses in Deuteronomy. The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed. [Deut 31:8]

When you woke up this morning to the gift of this day from God, did it cross your mind that He has already gone before you in everything you will face today. Trial or triumph God has already been there.  He has gone before your children to school. He is already painfully aware of sinful choices and rebellious behavior in you and your family. He has already been down the road of the most painful day of your life as well as the best days of your life. He knows the future. He goes ahead of you. This should bring great comfort.

While we like to pretend we are in control of our schedules and our lives it does not take much to show us how little control we really have. A terrorist attack. A stock market crash. A car accident. Cancer. Prodigal family members and friends. You get the picture. We really have very little control even over ourselves.

God does not fail His people or forsake them. He does not loosen His grip in the hard times. He does not leave us destitute in times of trial, tragedy, or terror. We do not have to be afraid of the future. Many people live paralyzed in fear about what could happen in the future. The bottom line is none of us can control or predict the future. We have a God who goes ahead of us. Why not trust Him irregardless of what comes our way.

Some seasons bring suffering and pain. There are other times of great triumph and blessing. God is the Lord over both seasons of life. When you are tested and afraid He will not fail you. That means He will not slacken in His commitment to love you. He will not faint and grow weary in those times when you need Him the most. [Ps 46:1] You have nothing to dread in the future. With God you can face any challenge, even suffering and death.

There is absolutely no reason to try to look down the road and become dismayed and discouraged. God already knows what you will need in the future. He has ample supply of wisdom, strength, peace, hope, endurance, faith, love, and comfort for when you will need them. God holds your future in the palm of HIs hand. He has already seen it, been there, and made the way for you to press on. Be encouraged with this truth today.