13 April 2023 – To focus on the future, you must trust God with your present

Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV) 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.

“We can’t have change without loss, which is why so often people say they want change but nonetheless stay exactly the same.” – Lori Gottlieb

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” -Corrie Ten Boom

John 15:5 (NIV) “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.”

Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT) Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the LORD will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you.”

“Worry implies that we don’t quite trust God is big enough, powerful enough or loving enough to take care of what’s happening in our lives.” -Francis Chan
Matthew 6:25-27 (NLT) “That is why I tell you not to worry about everyday life—whether you have enough food and drink, or enough clothes to wear. Isn’t life more than food, and your body more than clothing? Look at the birds. They don’t plant or harvest or store food in barns, for your heavenly Father feeds them. And aren’t you far more valuable to him than they are? Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?

Isaiah 41:10 (NLT) Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.

Romans 8:37 (ESV) No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.

“Darkness comes. In the middle of it, the future looks blank. The temptation to quit is huge. Don’t. You are in good company… You will argue with yourself that there is no way forward. But with God, nothing is impossible. He has more ropes and ladders and tunnels out of pits than you can conceive. Wait. Pray without ceasing. Hope.” – John Piper

Romans 12:12 (ESV) Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.

Psalm 37:5 (ESV) Commit your way to the LORD; trust in him, and he will act.

Hebrews 10:23 (NASB95) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;

I conclude with: “God says don’t worry about your future. He is the author of your story and He has already written the final chapter.” – Max Lucado.