Known

“Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.” (Corrie ten Boom)

Because He lives, I can face tomorrow
Because He lives, all fear is gone
Because I know He holds the future
And life is worth the living
Just because He lives.[i]

As we face many future-oriented fears, we must operate on two things that we know about Jesus: 

·        Jesus is in control-“People might make many plans, but what the Lord says is what will happen.” (Proverbs 19:21, ERV)

·        Jesus is alive- “He isn’t here—he has risen victoriously, just as he said. Come inside the tomb and see the place where our Lord was lying.” (Matthew 28:6, TPT)

 

What we know about Jesus’ plans for us in the future:

·        Because Jesus lives, we know that we can trust His promises for the future-“The ‘Yes’ to all of God’s promises is in Christ. And that is why we say ‘Amen’ through Christ to the glory of God.” (2 Corinthians 1:20, ICB)

·        Because Jesus lives, we know that He’ll be with us in the future-“So do not be afraid. I am with you. Do not be terrified. I am your God. I will make you strong and help you. I will hold you safe in my hands. I always do what is right.” (Isaiah 41:10, NIRV)

·        Because Jesus lives, we know that He’ll supply all the strength we need for the future-“Finally, be strong in the Lord relying on his mighty strength.” (Ephesians 6:10, ISV)

 Knowing that we can trust Jesus’ promises, and that His presence and power will be with us, what should we do today?

·        Deal with today-“So do not be [trouble] yourself about tomorrow. Tomorrow will have its own trouble. Today's trouble is enough for today.” (Matthew 6:34, WE)

·        Surrender tomorrow-“Lord, those who know your name come to you for protection. And when they come, you do not leave them without help.” (Psalm 9:10, ERV)

·        Secure your eternity-“I tell you the truth: eternal life belongs to those who hear My voice and believe in the One who sent Me. These people have no reason to fear judgment because they have already left death and entered life.” (John 5:24, VOICE)

“God is not in love with some future version of you. It’s not you tomorrow that He loves and delights in. It’s not you when you get your act together....If you believe that Christ’s love for you is a future love for you; then you dismiss the cross of Christ.” (Matt Chandler) [ii]

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[i] This is the chorus from the song, “Because He Lives” by Bill and Gloria Gaither.

 

[ii] Inspired by the sermon “Facing Your Future Fears: Facing Your Fears” (installment one) Easter Sunday April 12, 2020, Pastor Dave Jansen, CenterPoint Church Lewis Center (All CenterPoint churches are closed due to the Coronavirus, and are meeting online.) Join us every Sunday morning at 10am at the CenterPoint Church Main Page on Facebook.