Category Archives: Future

May30

Sacred Seasons: Trusting God Through Life’s Transitions

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“For David said, ‘The Lord, the God of Israel, has given rest to His people, and He dwells in Jerusalem forever.’

And so the Levites no longer need to carry the tabernacle or any of the things for its service.”

—1 Chronicles 23:25–26

In seasons of transition—especially one as life-altering and heart-breaking as losing a loved one —it can feel as though the very ground beneath us has shifted. Roles we once embraced, routines we once carried out with love, and identities that shaped our days are suddenly no longer the same. The world continues moving, but we’re left holding the pieces of a life that no longer looks the way it used to.

As I step into this new chapter after the loss of my husband, I was surprised to find comfort in a passage I’ve rarely lingered on before: 1 Chronicles 23:25–26. At first glance, it may seem like a simple historical note about temple duties. But as I read it with the lens of personal grief, I began to see something deeply meaningful.

David is preparing the people for a new season. The wandering is over. The battles are behind them. God has given His people rest. And because He now dwells in Jerusalem—no longer in a mobile tent—the Levites no longer have to carry the tabernacle or the holy items they once transported from place to place.

That change didn’t diminish the sacredness of their former role. In fact, it honored it. The years of carrying, protecting, and moving with God’s presence were not wasted—they were holy. But now, God was doing something new. Their burden was lifted. A new chapter had begun.

Surprisingly, a glimpse of my own life jumped off the page in those verses—and perhaps it does for you, too, if you’re in a season of transition or loss. (I love how God speaks to us through His word—often in unexpected places like this!)

God gently reminds me through this passage:

  • You no longer have to carry what you once did.
  • That doesn’t mean you’ve lost your purpose –
  • It means I’m leading you into something new.

For so long, I carried the role of a wife and caregiver. It was sacred and weighty, filled with both joy and heartache. And now, I no longer carry those same daily duties. It’s a tender release, not one I asked for, but one that life brought—and one that God sees. Now that season has shifted. That role has changed.

This scripture reminds me that God is not only the God of our past—of our marriages, our memories, our familiar roles—but also the God of our present and our future. He still dwells with us. He is not far off. He sees us and cares about our new role. Even as the landscape of our lives changes, His presence remains steadfast and near.

So if you find yourself in a new chapter—whether through grief, change, or an unexpected shift in your life—I pray this passage brings you peace:

  • You do not carry what you once did.
  • That does not mean you failed or you no longer have a purpose.
  • It means God is doing something new.
  • He’s still right by your side.

The same God who was with us in the carrying is the One who is with us in the releasing. He is still near, and He is still dwelling with us.

A Prayer for Today:

Dear Lord, thank you for being with us through all seasons in life. Help me trust You to be with me and guide me on navigating this change. Give me peace as I lay down what I no longer need to carry, and strengthen me to walk forward with You. In Jesus’ Name I Pray, Amen

Related Verses:

  • “The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8 NIV
  • “Behold, I am doing something new; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19 ESV
  • “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3: 5 – 6 NIV

Feb21

Trusting God With an Unknown Future

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Life is full of uncertainties. There are seasons when we stand at the edge of the unknown, staring into the future with fear, anxiety, and doubt. We wonder what will happen next, how things will unfold, and whether we will have the strength to endure. In times like these, trusting God can feel difficult—but it is also the most powerful choice we can make.

God Knows What We Cannot See

One of the greatest comforts we have as believers is knowing that God sees the whole picture when we only see a fragment. Isaiah 46:10 reminds us that God declares “the end from the beginning,” meaning He is not surprised by anything we face. While we may be overwhelmed by uncertainty, God is sovereign over every moment of our lives. His plan is perfect, even when it doesn’t make sense to us.

Proverbs 3:5-6 encourages us:

  • “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”

This verse teaches us that our understanding is limited, but when we surrender our future to God, He will guide our steps.

Fear is often the biggest obstacle to trusting God with the unknown. It whispers, “What if things go wrong? What if you fail? What if God doesn’t come through?” But fear is a liar. God calls us to replace fear with faith, remembering that He is always with us.

In Joshua 1:9, God gives this command:

  • “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.”

When we hold onto God’s promises instead of our fears, we can walk forward with confidence, even when the path ahead is unclear.

The Bible is filled with stories of people who trusted God despite not knowing what the future held. Abraham obeyed God’s call to leave his homeland without knowing where he was going (Hebrews 11:8). The Israelites followed God’s pillar of cloud by day and fire by night without knowing where it would lead (Exodus 13:21). Even Mary, the mother of Jesus, accepted God’s plan without fully understanding how it would unfold (Luke 1:38).

Each of these individuals faced an uncertain future, but God provided for them every step of the way. And He will do the same for us. Philippians 4:19 assures us:

  • “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.”

We may not know what tomorrow holds, but we know the One who holds tomorrow. His provision is enough.

Trusting God with the unknown requires surrender. It means letting go of control, releasing our worries, and choosing to believe that God is working all things for our good (Romans 8:28). Surrender doesn’t mean we stop planning or making wise decisions; rather, it means we place our confidence in God’s faithfulness instead of our own understanding.

Psalm 56:3 offers a simple yet powerful declaration:

  • “When I am afraid, I put my trust in you.”

Choosing to trust God is a daily decision. It is waking up each morning and saying, “Lord, I don’t know what today holds, but I know You are in control. I trust You.”

A Prayer for Trusting God in Uncertainty

Heavenly Father,

I come before You with a heart full of uncertainties. I don’t know what the future holds, but I know You hold my future. Help me to trust You, even when I can’t see the way ahead. Give me peace when I feel anxious, courage when I feel afraid, and faith to believe that Your plans for me are good. I surrender my worries to You and choose to walk by faith, not by sight. Thank You for always being with me, guiding me, and providing for me.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Encouraging Bible Verses to Hold Onto

  • Jeremiah 29:11 – “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.”
  • Psalm 37:5 – “Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will do this.”
  • Matthew 6:34 – “Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.”

If you are facing an uncertain future, know that you are not alone. God is with you, leading you, and working all things together for your good. Trust Him, for He is always faithful.

Jan22

Your Irresistible Future with God

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Beware of looking back

Go in confidence and grace—no rushing, no frantic escape.
    There’s no need to be anxious—the Eternal One goes before and behind you.
The God of Israel paves the way with assurance and strength.
    He watches your back.

Isaiah 52:12 (VOICE)

“Our yesterdays present irreparable things to us; it is true that we have lost opportunities which will never return, but God can transform this destructive anxiety into a constructive thoughtfulness for the future. Let the past sleep, but let it sleep on the bosom of Christ. Leave the Irreparable Past in His hands, and step out into the Irresistible Future with Him.” (Oswald Chambers, My Utmost for His Highest (1956). Section “December 31”).

God is the God of your yesterdays, your todays, and your tomorrows. Often memories of the past keep you from fully experiencing God’s grace and joy for today. It’s possible that you are longing for days gone by because they were happier times (the good ‘ole days), or it could be that you are wallowing in the junkyard of past memories, allowing the blunders of the past to overshadow God’s blessing for today. In either case, you are stuck in the quicksand of yesterday, and you can’t move into the future that God has in store.

Just remember, that God’s got your back! He’s your rear guard, and His hand can reach back into your past and settle any claims against your conscience. He can use yesterday’s mistakes and turn them into today’s ministry of growth for your future. He has a grand plan for your life, so let the past rest in God’s sweet embrace. He’s paving the way ahead with assurance and strength, so step confidently into your irresistible future with Him! “And He will be leading you. He’ll be with you, and He’ll never fail you or abandon you. So don’t be afraid!” Deuteronomy 31:8 (VOICE)

Jan11

God’s Help When You’re In Over Your Head

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Bottomless sea

A personal message from your Heavenly Father:

“But now, God’s Message,
    the God who made you in the first place…
    the One who got you started…:
“Don’t be afraid, I’ve redeemed you.
    I’ve called your name. You’re mine.
When you’re in over your head, I’ll be there with you.
    When you’re in rough waters, you will not go down.
When you’re between a rock and a hard place,
    it won’t be a dead end—
Because I am God, your personal God,
    The Holy of Israel, your Savior.
I paid a huge price for you…:
That’s how much you mean to me!
    That’s how much I love you!
I’d sell off the whole world to get you back,
    trade the creation just for you.”

Isaiah 43:2 – 3 (MSG)

So today if you are experiencing deep waters of difficulty, and you feel like you’re in way over your head, don’t be afraid and don’t lose hope. God knows you by name, and He knows every messy detail of your life. He’s right beside you in the rough waters, and He will bring you safely through them ~ You will not go down. This feeling you have, like you’re between a rock and a hard place, is only temporary. God has big plans for your future, and He can use everything you’re experiencing for your good. Your Savior paid a huge price just for you ~ That’s how much you mean to Him! That’s how much He loves you! Trust that He is capable of bringing you through this tumultuous period. Nothing is impossible for Him, and there is no limit to the boundless strength He can provide for you. With Him by your side, you can endure anything.

“Try to remember that the ‘bottomless sea’ can’t hurt us as long as we keep on swimming”…with God!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

  • “Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine. When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.” Isaiah 43: 1 – 3 (NLT)
  • “When hard pressed, I cried to the Lord; he brought me into a spacious place. The Lord is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” Psalm 118:5-6 (NIV)
  • “For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11(NLT)
  • “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” Romans 8:28(NLT)
     
Dec31

Looking Ahead

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Snowy Path CS Lewis quote

Don’t revel only in the past, or spend all your time recounting…days gone by.
Watch closely: I am preparing something new; it’s happening now, even as I speak,
and you’re about to see it. I am preparing a way through the desert; Waters will flow where there had been none.

Isaiah 43:18 – 19 (VOICE)

 The eve of a fresh new year is a great time to start looking forward to the possibilities that lie ahead. Perhaps there are things that you wish you could change about the year you see in the rear view right now, and of course you can learn a great deal from past failure ~ as well as past success! But continually looking backwards will hold you frozen in your history, rather than focused on the present task of writing your story. So don’t revel only in the past, or spend all your time recounting days gone by. The things you leave behind have already happened, but the future ahead is like a brand new page in a new chapter of your life.

As the New Year dawns, vow to live each day with resolve and intent.  God has given each of us a certain number of days to fulfill our life’s purposes. Ask Him to give you the grace to understand the important significance of each new day ~ and each moment ~ that you spend here on earth.  Some of us have more time than others, but none of us know the exact amount of time that we have left to complete our life’s mission. Pray for divine instruction concerning how to use your time purposefully throughout the days of the coming year.

Remember, “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” ~ C.S. Lewis

  • You crown the year with your good blessings, and you leave abundance in your wake. Psalm 65:11 (NET)
 
Sep14

Your Extraordinary Destiny

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Extraordinary Destiny

 

“We are confident that God is able to orchestrate everything to work toward something good and beautiful
when we love Him and accept His invitation to live according to His plan.”  
Romans 8:28 (VOICE)
 

What an amazing vision of your future ~ the overwhelming hardships you have experienced could very well be preparing you for your “extraordinary destiny!” God promises His children that He can use everything to work toward something good and beautiful if we live according to His plan ~ Yes, He can even use the bad, ugly, painful, and heartbreaking things that happen to us.

When you completely trust God… and not in life’s treasures…you allow the Master Craftsman to use each event in your life to create a glorious masterpiece.  Like threads in a tapestry, He can weave your defeats, your struggles, your heartache, your pain, your loss, your trials, your rejection, and even your shameful mistakes into a rich, beautiful, one-of-a-kind design.

No one else has walked in your shoes. Your experiences are completely unique to you. Will you accept God’s invitation to launch into your extraordinary destiny by allowing Him to orchestrate something good and beautiful from your personal life experiences?

  • “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.”  Jeremiah 29:11 (NIV)
  • “Surely it was for my benefit that I suffered such anguish.  In your love you kept me from the pit of destruction; you have put all my sins behind your back.” Isaiah 38:17 (NIV)
  • “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20
Nov17

God Leads The Way

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“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you;

He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NIV)

With God as your life’s Heavenly Navigator, you never have to worry or be fearful when forging ahead into uncharted territory.  You can confidently trust that the Lord is going before you, guiding you in the path that is best for you.  He promises to be with you each step of the way…even in the deepest, darkest valleys and through the most treacherous terrain. When the going gets tough, He will never abandon you or forget about you.

Perhaps you are struggling with decisions about your career, finances, relationships, child-rearing, education, or even treatment options for a health crisis.  You would never travel to a new place without consulting a map or GPS system. Why do you think that you could blindly traverse though life’s journey without consulting God’s divine wisdom?  He is your holy Field Guide for your earthly trek. Instead of feeling overwhelmed or afraid, focus on the fact that God is already ahead of you, leading the way.  He knows the plans He has in store for you ~ seek His excellent guidance and ask Him for wisdom.   With Him by your side, you can have confidence that the choices you make are best

He’s already in your future…follow His lead.

“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.”
Jeremiah 29:11
“I am with you and will watch over you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”
Genesis 28:15
“For the Lord your God is a merciful God; he will not abandon or destroy you or forget the covenant with your ancestors, which he confirmed to them by oath.”
Deuteronomy 4:31
Jan1

Happy New Year!

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See, I am doing a new thing!

Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?

I am making a way in the wilderness

and streams in the wasteland.

Isaiah 43:19

DSCF1606

As the first new day dawns in the New Year, it is a great time to look forward and think about the possibilities a new year can bring.  Most of us start the year with ideas about what we would like to accomplish in the year to come.  (Exercise more, eat healthier, lose weight, organize our finances, clean out the closet, save more money, learn to do something new, mend fences with an old friend or relative, start a business…)  Regardless of what goals you have in mind, it’s a good idea to write these thoughts down and keep them as a reference throughout the year to remind us of our vision.

I encourage you to take 10 minutes today (or more) to reflect on the past year while looking forward to the year ahead.  But instead of just thinking about the things YOU want for yourself, ask God what HIS vision is for your new year.  Is there something on your heart that keeps surfacing in your thoughts?  God’s New Year’s Resolutions might be very different from our own New Year’s Resolutions.  His vision for you might sound something like this…feed the hungry, clothe the poor, house the homeless, volunteer at a food bank, donate money, clothing, food, or time to a worthy ministry, find a church to start attending, support a missionary, start a ministry, love your neighbors, forgive someone, go on a mission trip, help a widow, foster a child, use your talents to help a ministry, renew (or begin!) your relationship with Christ, etc…  This list is endless, and only you know what God has laid upon your heart.

God doesn’t ask us to do EVERYTHING.  We are all part of the body of Christ, each member doing its own valuable part, right where you are “planted.”  He may be asking you to do ONE THING that seems insignificant to you, but in His Kingdom that one thing can change eternity.  It’s no accident that you are reading this post today.  God has a plan for you, and He wants to use your life in great ways.  He has gifted you with unique abilities and talents, and He wants to show you exactly how your life fits into His big picture.  Take the first step today toward following through with whatever God has placed upon your heart.  Don’t let another year go by without accomplishing something divinely magnificent for His Kingdom.

Happy New Year!! May God bless you in the coming year…

Jan29

True Wisdom

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wis·dom (noun) [wizdem]

“the ability to see into the future the consequences of your choices in the present”

The Noticer; Andy Andrews

While we can’t “see into the future,” we do know the One who holds our future in His hands.  How many times have we made decisions on our own, without seeking God’s counsel, and suffered terrible consequences as a result?  His wisdom provides insight into all areas of our lives, including finances, relationships, marriage, health, time management, friendships, career, school, and child rearing.  He scripted your entire life’s story, from before your birth to your last breath. He knows the unique purpose for which He created you, and He definitely knows what is best for your life.

Seek God’s wisdom for your choices today, and the future consequences of your choices in the present will be divine and not disastrous.

For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 2:6 (NIV1984)

Feb18

Riches of the Heart

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“…though your riches increase,
   do not set your heart on them.”

Psalm 62:10 NIV 2010

In times of prosperity, it is easy to fall into the trap of “trusting” in your wealth. You build up “security” by purchasing financial assets such as stocks and bonds. You invest in real estate thinking that it will never lose value. You feel that your future is “secure” because you have a large savings account and a diversified financial portfolio.

The “Great Recession” has proven to many that no matter how much you have stored away for the future, that wealth can be erased over night. Some investors had the sad misfortune of believing that their retirement fund was solid and golden, but found out instead that their hard-earned money was wrapped up in an unprecedented financial scam which left untold numbers with nothing but worthless paper certificates.

“The wealth of the rich is their fortified city;

They imagine it an unscalable wall.”

Proverbs 17:11 NIV 2010

While it is wise to save for the future, we must never place our faith in our riches. God is the only sure thing, and He is the One in whom we should trust completely concerning our future. For the rich who imagine that their wealth is their strongest defense, they are sadly mistaken. Too many things can occur which erode away at their assets. The stock market can crash, inflation can rob money of its value, ruthless thieves may steal it, real estate values can plummet, or a health crisis can drain your bank account of all its reserves.

Where do you look for your safety and security? In what or in whom do you place your trust for the future? What would happen if you lost everything you had worked for in your life? God is the only sure thing. He never loses His power, and He is the only firm foundation upon which you can confidently build toward your future. Better than any “tax shelter,” He will shelter us from any type of storm that life can bring. He is always dependable. “Investing” your time, talent, energy and resources in God’s kingdom provides eternal rewards.

Everything we do should have the focus of fulfilling God’s purposes, even when it comes to our finances and wealth accumulation. Seek your Heavenly Father for wisdom and guidance in this area of your life. Place your trust and faith in Him for a secure future with eternal “dividends.”

“Don’t store up treasures here on earth,

Where moths eat them and rust destroys them,

And where thieves break in and steal.

Store your treasures in heaven,

Where moths and rust cannot destroy,

And thieves do not break in and steal.

Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. ”

Matthew 6:19 – 21 (NLT)