Often, reading the newspaper and watching the news can be pretty depressing. Turmoil, unrest, and hate seem to consume our world. As a youth pastor, I sometimes wonder if our young people even stand a chance in today's culture. However, then I remember that with God all things are possible. God's power and goodness endures forever...that includes today and tomorrow.
As Christians, we always see the future through the lens of hope. We are always excited and passionate about the future and what it holds. Our excitement is not due to us being naïve about humanity. The future is not promising because people are innately getting better…we’re not. The future is promising because through Christ “the light is already shining and the darkness will soon disappear.” The future is promising because God is “making all things new.” Our task is to have a relationship with the One who controls every future. Listen to the words God gave to the Israelites:
“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, that you and your children might live! Choose to love the Lord your God and to obey him and commit yourself to him, for he is your life” (Deuteronomy 30:19-20).
The people were given a promise and a warning. If they would center their lives on God and his mission, the future would be good. However, if they chose to live apart from him and his purposes, their future would become bleak. The same is true for us; no one can hinder God’s future for us except ourselves.
Let us strive to be a people who “love God and are committed to him, because he is our life.” Rejoice in this hope! He is our future!
