In the last two installments of my Minister’s message, I have addressed the problem of uncertainty. Life can often be stressful, and much of that stress stems from uncertainty. In the first article, I discussed how uncertainties from your past can affect your present. When thoughts of past failures or sins overwhelm you, they can render you paralyzed. The same holds true for the present; even as a Christian, a lack of progress in your sanctification can make the present unbearable, especially if your past haunts you. Last month, I emphasized that during moments of present uncertainty, it is beneficial to remind yourself that God is already ahead of you—He always has been. When Elisha’s servant saw an army encamped against them, Elisha knew that God had already sent protection.
This month marks part three of our series, and in this final installment, I want you to reflect on the future. When you consider your future, do you view it as secure or uncertain?
As a Christian, God assures us that our future is secure in Christ. Philippians 1:6 promises, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” There is no certainty greater than the promises of God; they cannot fail! This means that when you place your trust in Jesus as your Savior, your future is secure. Jesus has already gone ahead of you. Jesus said as much in John 14:2-3, “In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” So I ask again, “When you think about your future, is it secure or uncertain?”
Here’s the fantastic part: when you have your future settled with God and understand that His promises are for you, this knowledge not only addresses your future but also impacts your present and your past. The promises of God are given to you to help eliminate the uncertainty that can plague your life (and mine, too). You may not know what tomorrow holds, but when you are convinced of your ultimate future, these temporal uncertainties will lose their power over you. Jesus is already ahead of you, and He has promised to bring you home to be with Him. Don’t be paralyzed by uncertainty; your future is secure, your present has purpose, and God has addressed your past through Christ.