Now faith is confidence in what we hope for!
We can look ahead with confidence, when we fix our eyes on God’s faithfulness. If we place our hope in the government, election results, political deals, our employer or any relationship, we may be sadly disappointed. But if instead we fix our eyes on a Sovereign God, who loves and cares for us, we will not be overwhelmed when the unexpected happens.
An assurance about what we do not see!
I wrote in October Share Four Somethings, that at the moment ‘ahead’ looks like a blank page. It is not possible to make any definite plans. And that is okay. There is opportunity for a new dependency on God, on waiting and allowing His plans to unfold. A time to develop a new level of trust – in relying on God for our strength and joy. To start to see His hand at work, in ALL things.
Looking ahead with peace
We can look ahead, to the future, with a peace in our hearts and minds, when we trust in God’s faithfulness. It is easy to claim the peace of God when everything is going well, but the peace that passes all understanding, is in and through times of trouble. In the middle of uncertainty, and unsettling times, we can receive peace from God.
Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
The instruction not to be anxious, comes when there is an opportunity to be anxious! Rather than allowing anxiety to take hold, scripture teaches that we bring the troubling situation that we are in to God in prayer. Firstly we bring it with thanksgiving – that is when we thank God for all of His faithfulness to us. We need that reminder, more than God needs our thanks! Then we bring our prayer, our request or petition to God and we leave it with Him. As we remember His goodness, His loving kindness towards us, we receive peace that our future is secure in Him!
We bring our prayers to God with thanksgiving – because we need that reminder of His faithfulness, more than He needs our thanks!
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There is no need to fear the future, whatever it may hold, because God goes ahead of us – and He is already there.
This post was written as part of the Five Minute Friday writing community linkup. We write for five minutes on a one word prompt – today’s word was ‘ahead.’
Some of the other linkups I may join can be found here.
Sharon, it seems as if this FMF prompt was made for you! Your site is so inspirational as we look to the “limitless horizon of God’s grace” for all that lies ahead. Blessings! (Karen, FMF #10)
Yes – part of a word in season to me! Thank you for visiting 🙂
yes, looking ahead is to look to Him because He alone holds the future. Thank you for the reminder of truth here. God bless!
I’m so glad I don’t have to be in control of the future! (although, sometimes I act like I should have a say…).
🙂 I think we can all be a little bit guilty of that! Thanks for visiting.
Looking ahead to that limitless horizon!
Absolutely! With faith and without fear 🙂
The sun will rise tomorrow,
the lark will sing o’er Flanders fields,
there will be joys and sorrows,
and desperation which soon yields
to an equanimity
brought on by balm spread from above,
through Cavary’s humility
upon the wings of bleeding dove.
The world shall put aside its fears,
and lock away its cares,
washed now clean by holy tears
the rain from upper airs
from a Lord to whom we are vexation,
but yet loved as His creation.
Our fears are washed away by holy tears – beautiful words, thank you Andrew!
Lovely post. And, if I’m being totally honest, I kind of like the idea of the future being a blank page. =)
Amie, FMF #20
So beautiful and such a reminder in this current climate of division.
There is so much of concerning the world right now, but God is here and knows the situations and is using them all for His good purposes.
Amen Sharon, love this. thank you so much for your encouraging words. So true, so true. Your words have touched me today. Visit from FMF #11
I love that truth–we need thankfulness more than God. It’s so true and so convicting, Sharon! Thanks for this!
Looking to God and remembering that he is certain definitely helps in all the uncertainty we are facing right now. I love the song you shared – it’s one I’ve listened to a lot over the las few months!
Same here, sometimes a song is so restorative!
Amen! I’m so grateful for His perfect peace! And I love that song… 🤗
Sharon, such timely reminders we all need right now! Love the quote by Elisabeth Elliot, so very true. God is our refuge and help, we do not need to fear. He is not surprised or rattled by anything! We can trust Him in all things. thank you!
It is easier to look ahead to the future with God in your heart. For he gives us peace but as the world gives, but peace that only He can give us.