The Future

Question to think about: What do you see for your future?

We live in such an interesting time. . . we are able to know what is occurring in the world almost immediately. Subsequently, we may unintentionally respond to the reported news without intentionally filtering the information. The thing is . . . we know the media does not see it all or know it all . . . even so . . . we rely on the media's perspective of the world.

Perspective drives the way we manage life.

Anxiety . . . stress . . . distress . . . may result from the perspective we have formed. So . . . how do we intentionally change our perspective?

We need to determine if we actually believe God:
"For I know the plans that I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope." (Jeremiah 29:11, NASB)

If, we believe God, then, we must believe that our welfare, which can be defined as well-being, has been planned. Yikes . . . that changes how we see tomorrow and the coming days.

Look at Zachariah and Elizabeth . . . they lived with a problem that defined their past and present. Wouldn't it have seemed reasonable that the problem would remain in their future? The answer is yes; however, God intervened and changed their future:
When the course of his priestly assignment was completed, he went back home. It wasn't long before his wife, Elizabeth, conceived. She went off by herself for five months, relishing her pregnancy. "So, this is how God acts to remedy my unfortunate condition!" she said. Luke 1:23-25, The Message)

Most of us would share the perspective that an older couple like Zachariah and Elizabeth would remain childless . . . it makes biological sense . . . yet . . . that perspective does not factor in the plan of God.

So . . . how do we understand what happened . . . we need to see that this was not about the problem but about the fact that God invited Zachariah and Elizabeth to participate in the plan for the world . . . for humanity to live in a relationship with God through Christ.

What problem has captured your attention and drives your perspective?
Take time to reframe your perspective.
Ask yourself: "Do I believe that God plans for my welfare . . . well-being?"
Take time to assess your perspective.
Give up one thing (fast) until the New Year for more time and clarity with God . . . ask God how to perceive life.
Stop.
Breathe . . . be still and know God.
Let go of any and all consuming thoughts.
Seek God.
Focus on the presence of Christ.
See life through an active and participating relationship with Christ.
Celebrate!

Learning with you how to see the future.
Shalom,
Kerrie
(All devotions written by Kerrie Palmer ©2008 All Rights Reserved)