Hope For The Future

We’re a month into 2013 and it’s good to be reminded of the hopeful attitude we had as the calendar turned from 2012 to 2013 that the new year would be brimming with possibilities. 

 

I wonder what God has in store for us for the rest of the year. Sometimes I think it would be helpful to know all the details of what’s ahead, but that’s where trust comes in. Perhaps God doesn’t reveal the future to us so that we’ll trust in Him. Since only He knows the future, we have to rely on Him.

Thankfully, God gives us precious promises in the Bible to encourage us. A favorite one I’ve clung to, when I didn’t understand why He allowed certain things to happen in my life, is found in Jeremiah 29:11-14. Maybe it’s been a lifeline for you, too. “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.”

What an incredible promise from the Creator of the universe! The One who knows the future. The One who made you and knows you better than anyone. The One who only wants the best for you - His precious child. With that knowledge, how can we do anything except look towards the future with anticipation and excitement?

God has lovingly given you another year. It’s beautifully wrapped with a big red bow, just waiting for you to open it and explore the exciting possibilities coming up on the horizon.

Make sure your bases are covered with these basics:

1. Surround yourself with a good support system of friends and/or family. God doesn’t want us to journey through life alone. If you don’t have a support system, join a good bible study group. You’ll not only be spiritually fed and in the company of other like-minded people, but you might just find that best friend you’ve been longing for! Be open to how God might bring a new friend into your life.

2. Take your spiritual temperature regularly. If you’re lukewarm or cold, heat things up by recommitting to regular church attendance, personal prayer time, and reading the Bible. I know you’re busy. But this is too important to put on the back burner. If you want God to actively help you with your daily life, you’ve got to make time for Him. Talk to Him as you go about your day including Him in all the little details, just as if He was right there beside you… because He is!

And remember, we’re always here to cheer you on and give you that extra boost of encouragement.

Look for the little things in life that are special gifts from Him, too.  That can help us to be grateful no matter what comes our way. And encourage others along the way.  By doing so, we’re also encouraged!

Even though the waters won’t always be calm throughout the year, if you’ve got a strong faith, an encouraging support system, and the right attitude, you’ll do just fine - no matter what happens. You can do it! I have faith in you!

And most importantly, God will be right there by your side, guiding you every step of the way - if you’ll just let him.

Trust Him. He knows your future and it’s full of hope! 
 

^“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”   Hebrews: 10:23-25 NIV  

 
Bountiful Blessings,
Martha

Copyright © 2013 Martha Hadley. All rights reserved.