I’m just going to come right out with it. I’m 63. Now, I realize that technically, this is not ‘old,’ but there are days when I feel much older, and with all the stressful things going on in my life right now, I do question what the future has in store for me and my dear wife, who struggles with her own health challenges and concerns for tomorrow. Here’s another personal fact. One month ago, I was terminated from my job, not from anything that I did but because of situations beyond my control. This also contributes to my queries about the future, as I wonder what God has in store for my wife and me.
Why am I telling you this? Because I know that each of us worries about the future, no matter our age or situation in life. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, like I am, I am also aware of how the devil likes to try and derail our faith with things like health issues, job loss, financial woes, and all sorts of other tactics he uses that challenge our beliefs that God loves us and always has our best interest at heart. Let’s be real; sometimes life beats us silly, and we may question God’s concern for our well-being. I’ve had my faith ups and downs, and I’m guessing you have to. So, now that you are two paragraphs into this devotional and may be wondering my point—here’s where I want to encourage you on those days when you may question your future and God’s plan for it.
My wife loves to share Christian-based Instagram posts with me. She sent me one the other day from Pastor Steven Furtick, the founder and Lead Pastor of Elevation Church in Charlotte, NC. His timely message encouraged me, and I want to encourage you. Steven says: “God is in your future, preparing the way for you. God gives us the strength we need for today, and He’ll provide for tomorrow when it comes.”
“Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” (Matthew 6:34 NIV)
Pastor Furtick goes on to say, ” You make plans, but God makes paths. Trust that He’s crafting a way for you, even when you can’t see it yet.”
“In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps.” (Proverbs 16:9 NIV)
I’m not sure about you, but Pastor Furtick’s words and Biblical wisdom are just what I needed to hear. I understand that worries over tomorrow can become all-encompassing when we allow fear and anxiety to take hold—two nasty commodities that can take root and steal away the peace that God wants us to experience as we trust in him. I will leave you with a simple but uplifting prayer that Pastor Furtick ended off with. I’ve prayed it myself as I trust God to do the rest. I urge you to do the same as you walk in faith in Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior.
Prayer: Lord, I ask for Your peace to flood my heart and mind, a peace that surpasses all understanding. Help me to trust in Your plans, even when I can’t see the path ahead. Illuminate my steps and guide me with Your wisdom. I declare that I will not be shaken by fear, for You are my Rock and my Fortress! Amen.
Paul Smyth
