“I’m confused. Should I make plans for the future or should I just live today and trust God for tomorrow?”—Anne
The simple answer is “Yes!” Today is all you have, so make the most of every opportunity to live, love, learn, serve, share, celebrate, work well and play freely. Little is gained by worrying excessively about a tomorrow that you cannot control (Matt. 6:25, 34).
At the same time, life in this world requires (for most of us, at least) that we prepare for the future, planning for our education and career, saving some money and investing wisely, and setting something aside for later years of life. Our plans may and often do change, and change presents challenges of its own, but some kind of plan is typically better than no plan at all.
The question goes beyond simply whether or not we have a plan, however. The issue also involves matters of attitude and faith. James warns against making plans in a cocky, cavalier fashion (James 4:13-16). We are not told in this text to give up our plans and live only for today, but we are reminded that we neither know the future nor control the length of our days. Thus, we should face the future with a little humility and a lot of faith. James enjoins us to seek the will of the One who holds the future.
We may consider the issue in light of Jesus’ words in the Sermon on the Mount (Matt. 6:11, 19-34). He taught His followers to trust God for “today’s bread” and to keep their priorities straight: “Store up treasures in heaven . . . put God first in your life . . .then stop worrying. Trust this God who knows what you really need to provide for today and tomorrow.”
Showing posts with label provider. Show all posts
Showing posts with label provider. Show all posts
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Sunday, July 12, 2009
When you lose your job
“Where is God when you lose your job?”—Steve
This question has several underlying assumptions (and/or concerns): that God exists, that God knows and cares, and that God is (or should be) somehow involved in the affairs of our life.
The Bible doesn’t argue the existence of God—it reveals a God who is personal, aware (Ps. 139:1-16; Jer. 23:24), caring and involved in the life of His people (Ps. 86:14-17; 136; Isa. 54:8, 10).
So, where is God in that situation? He is right there—He has not abandoned you (Josh. 1:5; Heb. 13:5-6). For whatever reason this happened, God was neither caught by surprise nor unprepared.
Losing your job may be the consequence of your choices or due to incompetence (yours or your employer’s) or because of “the economy”. It may be the result of someone’s desire to hurt you or exact revenge upon you. The Bible teaches that, regardless of the reason for your loss and pain, God is working in the situation to accomplish His good purposes (Rom. 8:28-29).
He may have better things in store for you. In the process of discovering His plans, you will also discover God in a more profound way (Jer. 29:11-13).
He may want you to deepen in your faith. In the midst of chaos, confusion and fear, God can show those who love and trust Him that He can protect and provide (II Chr. 20:14-17; Prov. 3:5-6; I Pet. 5:7).
He may want to discipline you. Sometimes God uses difficulties in your life to bring you toward holiness and a clearer sense of what is right and good (Heb. 12:4-11).
Whatever the case, remember that nothing is impossible with God (Matt. 19:26; Luke 1:37) and that His love for you (His desire for your best) never ceases (Rom. 8:35-39).
This question has several underlying assumptions (and/or concerns): that God exists, that God knows and cares, and that God is (or should be) somehow involved in the affairs of our life.
The Bible doesn’t argue the existence of God—it reveals a God who is personal, aware (Ps. 139:1-16; Jer. 23:24), caring and involved in the life of His people (Ps. 86:14-17; 136; Isa. 54:8, 10).
So, where is God in that situation? He is right there—He has not abandoned you (Josh. 1:5; Heb. 13:5-6). For whatever reason this happened, God was neither caught by surprise nor unprepared.
Losing your job may be the consequence of your choices or due to incompetence (yours or your employer’s) or because of “the economy”. It may be the result of someone’s desire to hurt you or exact revenge upon you. The Bible teaches that, regardless of the reason for your loss and pain, God is working in the situation to accomplish His good purposes (Rom. 8:28-29).
He may have better things in store for you. In the process of discovering His plans, you will also discover God in a more profound way (Jer. 29:11-13).
He may want you to deepen in your faith. In the midst of chaos, confusion and fear, God can show those who love and trust Him that He can protect and provide (II Chr. 20:14-17; Prov. 3:5-6; I Pet. 5:7).
He may want to discipline you. Sometimes God uses difficulties in your life to bring you toward holiness and a clearer sense of what is right and good (Heb. 12:4-11).
Whatever the case, remember that nothing is impossible with God (Matt. 19:26; Luke 1:37) and that His love for you (His desire for your best) never ceases (Rom. 8:35-39).
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