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How do You See the Future?

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If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.

1 Corinthians 15:19

If our hope in Christ is for this life only, we will be greatly disappointed, especially in the last days.  Satan is trying to destroy all Christians because he knows his final destination is near; and he is angry at God. They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. (John 16:2)

Everyone born of God overcomes the world. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith. (1 John 5:4) We live with our hope in Christ, for guidance through this life into our eternal life in Heaven. Many non-Christians have their hope in this world, and they are fearful with the changes happening in this world. The current situation in the world is opening doors for Christians to be a Light. People are fearful of the unknown future, but we know events that will happen in the future from the Word of God. We can reveal the Word, events from the past, show events in the present, and events in the future.

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. (2 Corinthians 4:17) We live as a Light for Christ in this world, knowing our eternal reward is life in Heaven with the Father and the Son. The more we understand how unbelievably great Heaven will be, the more we can endure this world.  The closer loving relationship we have with the Lord, the more we desire to be with the Father and the Son.  Spiritual growth leads us to overcome the world and live with the desire to be with Christ.

But I am hard-pressed from both directions, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, for that is very much better; yet to remain on in the flesh is more necessary for your sake. (Philippians 1:23-24) The apostle Paul desired to depart this life and be with Christ, but he realized the Lord had more work for him in ministering to the churches. It’s the same for us, we desire to be with Christ, but we have to stay and tell the world about Christ. Our life is about bringing others to Christ, and we can be free of self.

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1) We can never be free until we are free of self, and we are free when we surrender our life to the Lord; and we depend on Christ to guide us through every detail of life.  When we are free, we seek the Lord’s guidance and we live with His power and wisdom. Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, (Ephesians 3:20) The Lord’s power in us can do more than we can imagine.

Today put your hope in Christ for this life and for eternal life. Without eternal life, there is no hope. Live this life serving the Lord, putting the Lord and others first, then you will be free and will overcome the world.

Prayer:  Lord I put my hope in you to guide me in this life and into my eternal home. Guide me to a be a Light on a hill, telling the world the good news of salvation that only comes through Christ. In Jesus name, Amen