An Uncertain Present

An Uncertain Present Doesn't Mean an Uncertain Future

by Shana Schutte

“He is still working things out, even when it looks like He isn’t.”

Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – June 26, 2022

For the word of the Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does. Psalm 33:4

This week, I talked with a friend who recently moved to a new city with her husband and kids.  In the in-between adjustment of where she used to live—surrounded by close friendships that had been nurtured for years in a tight-knit community— and the not-yet of the future, my friend has felt a little discouraged. 

Will God provide new, close relationships?

Will He prove faithful to show His love through community like He did before? 

When will this loneliness disappear? 

During times when we don’t know how God’s plan will unfold and how His faithfulness will ultimately be revealed, it’s easy to fall into discouragement if we don’t see that He is bringing good into our lives right away.

Jeremiah 29:11 is a bolstering hope during these times. “I know the plans I have for you, plans to prosper you and not harm you, plans to give you a future and a hope.”

As we look at this scripture, we must remember that this promise was given to Israel, not to one person.  However, the context of God’s words in Jeremiah can help us see how He dealt with His chosen people, and therefore, can encourage us about His faithfulness toward us when we don’t know what lies ahead. 

To begin, when God spoke this promise to Israel it was given just before he sent them into captivity in Babylon. That doesn’t sound encouraging, but it’s a reminder that even when we are experiencing discomfort now and the hope of the future seems uncertain, the Lord already has a good plan in mind for us and He has already gone before us to make a way for future redemption. Just because things aren’t happening the way we want them to now, doesn’t mean God has abandoned us, left us, or that He doesn’t love us. He is fully in control. It doesn’t mean He isn’t at work. An uncertain present doesn’t mean an uncertain future. It simply means that He is still working things out on our behalf and for His glory, even when it looks like He isn’t. 

It is helpful for the human soul and for our own encouragement when we see that God’s goodness is not limited by even the greatest trials.  He will prove faithful to His children. 

“He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4)

Prayer

Lord, I will not allow the discouragement of the moment to ruin my hope for tomorrow. I know you are at work. I know you love me, and I know you will do what is best for me. I trust you. Amen.

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Application

What do you need to trust God with today?

 

Resource: https://www.wisdomhunters.com/an-uncertain-present-doesnt-mean-an-uncertain-future/