Future, The: What is yet to Happen

The Bible is totally accurate in foretelling the future. The God knows what is going to happen and even if He doesn't make it clear to us He expects us to obey what He has already said while being confident that all things are working for our [eternal] good because we are His children (Gen 50:20; Deut 29:29; Isa 46:8-11; Rom 8:28-29; Phil 1:6; 1 Pet 1:6-7). God in His providence hides so much of the future from us – it's a walk of faith and not sight, but we can confidently trust our future to God who knows best (2 Cor 5:7).

Our Eternal Destiny

If we live for Him on earth we will live with Him in heaven (2 Tim 2:11). All those who are genuinely God's children will spend eternity experiencing a place so wonderful that our minds can't grasp it while those who are unsaved will be forever tormented (Jn 14:2-3; 1 Cor 2:9; Rev 20:10, 21:8). With Christ, our future is glorious.

We all have a future – either heaven or hell

Although we don't know what the future holds, we do know who holds the future and like Paul we can be confident God is able to safely guard everything entrusted to Him (2 Tim 1:12). Even though we may be experiencing trials and persecutions He has promised to never leave or forsake us, and our eternal destiny is secure in Him (Heb 13:5).

Learning from the Past

The way we have lived in the past has an effect on how we live now and will influence our future. However, the past doesn't need to dictate our present or future, if we are prepared to challenge and deal with wrong values, by co-operating with God's power – resulting in increasingly wholeness and usefulness in His Kingdom. Analyse and learn from the past, but don't live in it. Paul said, "Forgetting what is behind I press forward" (Phil 3:13).

The past need not define us

As the battle is always over our future, Satan will try to prevent us reaching our destiny. If Satan tries to discourage you because of your past, remind him of his future.

Preparing for What Lies Ahead

Make the most of the present opportunities which are the training ground for future service to God. We should be ready for the future, after all, we'll be spending the remainder of our lives there! The way to prepare for the future is to ensure you are a Christian and walking in close, obedient contact as you commit your life and plans to God, submitting to His correction and sovereignty, living uprightly in the world, for we don't know what tomorrow will bring (Ps 37:5; Jas 4:13-15).

Am I prepared?

While we do not have control over world events, we do have control over our personal responses and not being fearful about the uncertainties of life and the difficult times ahead. By choosing to live for Christ, being 'salt and light' influencing those around as we keep eternity in view, regardless of the cost, we can live obedient to Him, allowing the fruit of the Spirit to develop (Mt 5:13-16; Jn 14:15; Gal 5:22-23; Heb 12:1-2).

The world system is rapidly deteriorating as God's ways are increasingly ignored, with many speculations, predictions and prophecies about future world events relating to what appears to be the 'last days' (end times) in which we are now living but 'no man knows' when the Lord of the harvest will return so this is a futile activity to engage in (Tit 3:9). As we see horrific disasters and calamities ravaging the world, together with greater control and restrictions imposed by godless regimes, rather than being fearful because of the uncertainties remember God is still in control and is working out His purposes (Mt 6:34).

There are several prophecies that are yet to be fulfilled. Because God is sovereign and omniscient (all-knowing) we can count on these events becoming reality in His right time according to His calendar, just as the others have (Isa 14:24, 46:10-11; Eph 1:11).

Reflection and Application:

Am I trusting God with my future, or am I anxious about what lies ahead?
Am I allowing my past to hold me back, or am I pressing forward in faith?
Am I living in the present as preparation for future service to God?
Am I being 'salt and light' in a world that increasingly ignores God's ways?