What Lies Ahead?

Hello!

There is a television program that my son, Ethan, likes to watch. When I have time, I like to watch it with him. It is the new series on the History channel called America: The Story of Us. You see, Ethan has always been a history buff. He knows more about history than I do, I think. He soaks it in and it facinates him. I remember that we took a family vacation out East a few years ago and we went to Gettysburg. An awesome experience and one that I would recommend to anyone - whether you are a history buff or not. Ethan gave our tour guide a run for his money - asking almost every question imaginable. We even have pictures of him walking with our tour guide ahead of the rest of us - engrossed in passionate conversation.

Anyway, we were watching the program that was on this week (we had it recorded) and they were talking about the move West and how the American spirit was formed by the rugged individualism of those who dared to risk it all to make a new life for themselve and their family. The American spirit of independence, the pioneering spirit that leads us to find a way when there seems to be no way, was an identifying mark of the American individual and family. The show talked about the willingness of our ancestors to travel into the unknown, so that a new land could be conquered and a new life made.

I wonder if we, as Americans, Christians, and human beings, have lost some of that willingness to journey into the unknown in our lives and blaze new paths for those that will come after us? It seems that we live in more fear of the unknown now-a-days, than we do with a willingness to embrace it. I'm not saying it is easy to embrace the mystery of our lives and the mystery of what tomorrow may bring. In all honesty, it can be downright scary.

But, as people of faith, we realize and understand that we don't have to have it all figured out, because our faith and our trust is in the One that has it all under control.

I believe there is something deep in all of us that wants to know what lies ahead. But, somewhere along the journey of life, that desire is wrought with fear of what lies ahead verses the excitement of what tomorrow may bring. For instance, when we are young, we dream of what lies ahead (our imaginations can run wild with excitement). When we grow older, we become anxious of what tomorrow will bring (our imaginations run wild again!).

Today, you may be wondering what lies ahead in your future. You may be struggling with fear and discouragement. You may be weighted down by the burden of things you see as limitations or walls you cannot overcome. You may be fearful of what you cannot yet see.

When we search and seek answers for what the future may hold, we can often times focus on our fear and on what lies ahead, instead of focusing on what is right before us and we don't even recognize it...Jesus...the One in whom our future is secure.

It is in Jesus that our ultimate needs will be met. It is in Jesus that we are offered life everlasting. No matter what may be around the corner, or where our life may take us, we can be confident and secure in knowing that Christ is with us the entire way. And even if that is all we know, we will feel more secure in what lies ahead and approach the unknown with a willingness to embrace the mysteries of life as we journey into unknown territory and conquer new lands in our lives.

What lies ahead? With Jesus...Security of life with Him.

God of yesterday, today, and forever, give me courage to face the future unafraid as I put my trust in You. Guide me through the mystery of life and lead me through the unknown territory with a spirit of strength and hope. Help me to conquer new lands in my life, secure in the knowledge that You are with me the entire way. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

Take Care & God Bless,

Pastor Don