What’s Next?

We often wish we knew what was coming around the corner. Sometimes it’s fearful – not knowing what to expect. But isn’t that what living by faith is all about? Why worry about the future anyway? Jesus assured his followers that such thinking is counter-productive.

Can any of you, however much he worries, make himself an inch taller? And why do you worry about clothes? Consider how the wild flowers grow. They neither work nor weave, but I tell you that even Solomon in all his glory was never arrayed like one of these! Now if God so clothes the flowers of the field, which are alive today and burnt in the stove tomorrow, is he not much more likely to clothe you, you ‘little-faiths’? (Matthew 6:27-30, J. B. Phillips).

“Little-faiths.” What an interesting label. It reminds me of the phrase: “Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!” That seems contradictory, but it’s a true cry for increased faith. I’ve said it to the Lord often. I believe God knows the future, that He knows what’s best for me, that He is all powerful. But still I need to trust Him more fully and not worry about what’s next. That’s where putting our belief into practice is the proof of what’s real.

I guess I’ve been thinking about this quite a bit because we are going through a difficult time right now. My husband’s physical and mental health has been deteriorating. To the point that we have registered him in a hospice service. He may still improve. But he may not. We have to be ready for what’s next. And of course, we know that “the best is yet to come.” But for now we need to live in the moment and enjoy what the Lord gives us day by day. We can rest in His love. That brings peace. The hospice workers enjoy coming to visit us because we have that positive outlook on life and eternity. Unfortunately, they see lots of people who don’t enjoy that, and the contrast is striking. I pray that we can be a witness and an encouragement to them as they faithfully minister to our needs.

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18, NKJ). That’s so special! God has things planned for us that are far beyond our imagination. Are you excited about that? About what’s coming next?