Monday, July 31, 2023
As much as I don't want to admit it … planning for the future is something we have to do. And it’s scary!
Take me for example. I have finally found the person that I can see myself having a family with. But before we take that next step into marriage, we need to save some money and plan our future together. (I also need to ask for her father’s blessing.) It isn’t easy for us to sacrifice the things we love, but we’re willing to do it for the things we love and want more.
As followers of Jesus, we die to our old way of life to follow his way, which can feel daunting. We are called to give up our lustful thirst for the pleasurable sins in our earthly lives to set our sights on heaven. From a worldly perspective, this might not seem like the most fun, nor is it easy to get exactly right. In fact, we never will, because it’s human nature to sin. Thankfully, our Heavenly Father loves us, forgives us, and through Christ, provided a plan for when we miss the mark.
Colossians 3:1-4
1Since you have been raised to new life with Christ, set your sights on the realities of heaven, where Christ sits in the place of honor at God’s right hand. 2 Think about the things of heaven, not the things of earth. 3 For you died to this life, and your real life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 And when Christ, who is your life, is revealed to the whole world, you will share in all his glory.
We might fear what we will lose or what our life will look like when we give up our earthly ambitions. It would be easy to let that fear drive us. I know this one all too well—fearing what could happen rather than thinking realistically and understanding that while my plan may fail, it doesn't mean the rest of my life is a failure. In our new lives with Jesus, we can trust him and know fear is a liar. Since we are his, there is nothing to fear. We can leave our fear at the cross.
Once we place our faith in Jesus, we should do our best, as Andy said in week two, to live from God’s love. And while there will be sacrifices along the way and things may not always go right, these things don’t have to define our lives.
When I finally say, “I do,” I’ll be sacrificing some of the things I like to do now, but I also know that what I will be gaining is far better. Will things change? Yes! Will I be changed through marriage? Yes, but no doubt, the positives will far outweigh any perceived losses.
In the same way, we can embrace the work God is doing in us, and this will lead to a breakthrough. God sees the person he intends us to become. We don’t need to let fear stand in the way, ruin our day, or make us afraid of tomorrow. We are God’s masterpiece (Ephesians 2:10), and we can trust he has good plans for us (Jeremiah 29:11).
Questions:
Have you ever let fear stop you from doing something and it still haunts you to this day? Do you try to hold on to earthly feelings and pleasures? Are you having a difficult time letting go of something so that you can grow?
Next Steps:
Look up how many times fear is in the Bible, and see what God says about it. Talk to God, and listen for his guidance. He wants what is best for you!
Prayer:
God, I know I fail at things when I am afraid, and I don't always have the right words in every situation. When I remember that I already have your love and grace, it gives me strength. Fear is a liar—instill this truth in my heart so I can stop my anxious thoughts and know your love. I pray that you help me show your love to others so that they, too, will know the hope and strength only found in you. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Series Theme Verse:
Colossians 1:23
But you must continue to believe this truth and stand firmly in it. Don’t drift away from the assurance you received when you heard the Good News. The Good News has been preached all over the world, and I, Paul, have been appointed as God’s servant to proclaim it.