Do you ever worry about the future?  Did you ever wonder, "What's next?"  Although it is natural to have these types of questions lingering in our minds, we need to put our faith in God to be with us in the future, no matter what happens along our journey.  We need to leave the past in the past, accept the present as a gift, and trust God with our future.  Even though these words sound comforting, it is quite difficult to abide by these words of wisdom.  Loved ones pass away, finances become tight, the future grows dim….  Life happens.

Many people think of the past as the most frightening time of their lives as they
try to come to grips with many tragedies that they have endured.  Still, others worry about what will happen in the present.  They are solely concerned with whether or not their performance as husbands, wives, children, caretakers, employees, or any other role, is truly their best.  Many times, people wonder whether their bank account is adequate or if they will be able to get enough sleep to function properly.  They may worry over whether or not their friends and family enjoy their company, if their loved ones will stay healthy, and a myriad of other thoughts throughout the course of a normal day.  Then, there is the category that many people fall into: fear of the future.  For some people, the past and present have been so traumatic, they often question, “What next?”  I have two responses for these individuals.  First and foremost, one should never ask this question.  Secondly, the Bible gives the answer to this enduring question.
 
Romans 8:38-39 (NIV) states, “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus.”  God has provided guidance in His word that we are to trust in Him.  Regardless of what is going on around us, we must have faith that nothing can separate us from God’s love, if we have turned our lives over to Jesus Christ.  As Christians, we will face trials.  As Christians, we will have heartache.  As Christians, we will endure situations that seem unbearable.

Even in these troubling times, Jesus said, ““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33 NIV).  Jesus gives us HOPE!  He has already overcome every single trial and tribulation.  He has promised to give us peace.  And He has promised that none of these difficulties will take us away from His loving care.

God stood beside you in the past, He is walking with you in the present, and He will guide you into the future.  Even in the valleys and the darkest nights, God is in control.

In Christ's Love,
Jennifer