Each day we face unknown futures, futures that depend on decisions we make throughout the day, and because of this we can desire to know how things will turn out. When I was younger, I'd stay up late and watch tv. There were commercials for a lady named Miss Cleo. Miss Cleo promised to tell you the future. I've known people who spent thousands of dollars over the years calling these false "prophets". Then there are card readers, astrologists in our newspapers and magazines, rolling dice in our homes, praying for signs, and so many different ways we can hope to avoid harmful destinies and be sure that things will work out in our favor.
For those that are in Christ by faith, we can be sure that God is working all things out for our good (Rom. 8:28). He is directing our steps, our course, and is going to lead us exactly where we need to be (Proverbs 16:9; Jeremiah 10:23; Psalm 37:23; Proverbs 16:1; Proverbs 19:21; Proverbs 20:24; Prov. 21:30; Isa. 46:10). That doesn't mean we don't seek Him and try to discern where He is leading. We do (Matt. 6:33; Rom. 12:2; Acts 13:1-3; Acts 15:1-21; 1 John 4:1; Prov. 3:5-6; James 1:5; ). And this is important because one day we will all be judged for our life and our choices (Phil. 1:9-10; Rom. 11:33-35). Fortunately, we have God working in us and giving us all we need to be successful in this endeavor. He has given us His Word which reveals His will and He has given us His Spirit which will accord with His Word (Phil. 2:1-13). We will be successful because God will be successful and He is working His plan out through us for His glory (Phil. 1:6-11).
Now, these promises are only for the children of God who are now in a relationship with God by faith in Christ. Those who do not believe are not connected to God and are still under His wrath. They have no hope for a future. Regardless of the means they pursue to hear how they can forge ahead in their journey through this life, Scripture also tells us what lies ahead for them. Unfortunately, it is a second "death" where they are cut off from eternal life in a blessed relationship with their Creator, God, and all that comes with it and instead will spend eternity in the Lake of Fire in eternal torment with Satan, Death, and all of the enemies of God and man (Rev. 20:7-15).
So what are we to do with this information? Well, for one, we are to turn away from being driven by fear, shame, guilt, or any of those other things that may force us to make decisions that aren't rooted in faith in Christ Jesus and the character of God. Many times we find ourselves in hard positions and we can weigh decisions based on pressures that press in on us. They are factors, but we must put them in their proper place. Let them drive you to your good God who promises to care for you. Don't let them drive you to "save yourself." I can't tell you what that means in your situation. But I can tell you it will cost you the following:
-Time: You will have to spend time with God and discern if you are being led by the flesh or by the Holy Spirit (1 John 4:1-6; Gal. 5:13-26). You can't rush the process. You will have to plan time to be with God BY being in the WORD (the BIBLE) READING, THINKING, PRAYING, and RESPONDING to what God is showing you. That is hard, but necessary. It is an investment.
-Relational and Emotional Capital: Likely you will need people around you that know and love you, people who are in your church and care about you (Phil. 2:4; 1 Pet. 1:22; Gal. 6:2; John 13:34-35; 1 Thess. 3:12). That's why the body of Christ, the church matters. It's also why its good to have more than one wise counselor (Proverbs 11:14; Proverbs 15:22; Proverbs 20:18; Proverbs 24:5–6; Proverbs 27:9). Relationships cost us. People are messy and everyone is a sinner. We all hurt each other. There is no escaping it. We all bring problems and we have to work through them. Some issues need special help and you may not be able to be in a relationship with every person, but you are going to need to have relationships with people and that means you are going to have to spend time with them and be willing to open yourself up to them and let them be themselves with you. This will take a toll of some sort on you emotionally and relationally at points, but you take tolls on people too! We all do! And we were made dependent! We need the body of Christ (1 Cor. 10:16-17; 12; Rom. 12:4-5; Eph. 2:19-22; 4:11-13; 5:29-30)! This, too, is an investment. If you struggle with making friends, I recommend the book SAFE PEOPLE by Cloud and Townsend.
Freedom: We have been set free from sin, but we are slaves to Christ. We also sacrifice the freedom to do ALL things to instead do what is most important. This life is about Christ (Phi. 1:21). Therefore, we should be increasingly living in a way that is dramatically different than the rest of the world. This will help prioritize what we choose to do (say YES to) and what we choose not to do (say NO to).
Wise words from Paul to his spiritual son, Timothy, in 2 Timothy 2:1-10:
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. 2 And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. 3 Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. 4 No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. 5 Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. 6 The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. 7 Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
8 Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, 9 for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. 10 Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.
IN CONCLUSION:
Christian, submit your life to God and do not worry about the future. Instead, dedicate each day to live in the present pursuing God and living in fellowship with God and His people seeking to work with God in what He is doing and where He is leading in the moment knowing He will work all things out in the end. Let fear, guilt, shame and all the things which the devil uses to try to drive us away from God and each other instead drive us deeper into faith and relationship with God and His people. Do not act out of fear, guilt, shame, or compulsion (Philemon 1:14; 1 Pet. 5:2; 2 Cor. 9:7), but out of the cheerfulness that comes from knowing God has given you this gift and opportunity by the gospel and a new relationship through Christ, by faith, for His glory and your joy.
Then enjoy the journey.
And if you are in the Twin Cities Metro area and don't have a body to walk with or a person discipling you and you hunger for that, message me. I'd like to talk with you and pray about that with you for a season.
May you know God's great love and enjoy it today.
Your brother in Christ,
Mike Strong