Devotional

When the Future Seems Uncertain
by Rick Warren


“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans … to give you a future and a hope … You will find me when you seek me, if you look for me in earnest.” Jeremiah 29:11, 13 (LB)


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No matter what the pollsters, pundits, and prognosticators claim, no one can accurately predict all that is going to happen in the next year, let alone the next few days or weeks. Our best forecasts are just educated guesses.


Change is not only increasing in speed and intensity, but also in unpredictability. How can anyone succeed when the future is so uncertain?


The Bible suggests three timeless principles for facing an uncertain future:


1. Set goals according to God’s direction. It’s foolish to make plans without first consulting God. He’s the only one who does know the future – and he’s eager to guide you through it.


The Bible says, “We may make our plans, but God has the last word” (Proverbs 16:1 GNT). In other words, planning without praying is presumption. Start by praying, “God, what do you want me to do in 2009?”


2. Live one day at a time. While you can plan for tomorrow, you can’t live it until it arrives. Most people spend so much time regretting the past and worrying about the future, they have no time to enjoy today!


John Lennon once wrote, “Life is what happens to you while you’re busy making other plans.” Decide to make the most of each moment this year. Jesus said, “Don’t be anxious about tomorrow. God will take care of your tomorrow too. Live one day at a time” (Matthew 6:34 LB).


3. Don’t procrastinate. Do it now! “Don’t boast about what you’re going to do tomorrow, for you don’t know what a day may bring forth” (Proverbs 27:1).


Procrastinating is a subtle trap. It wastes today by postponing things until tomorrow. You promise yourself that you’ll do it “one of these days.” But “one of these days” is usually “none of these days.”


What did you plan to get done last year that you didn’t do? When do you intend to start working on it?

My week so far

Honestly... this week has just been a bit emotional for me - physically I have been pretty busy - with Brev's school - helping in his class and aiding in the 3's class plus putting more hours in at work but just feeling down... I swear... If I hear one more person announce their pregnancy.. I think I am going to scream - I know that sounds horrible - I honestly could not be happier for them and I just pray their baby's are healthy and that they have a very healthy pregnancy with amazing outcomes!! It is just extrememly hard watching friends and just people I know whether from work or just people I see at the grocery store living out what I dream for the most. It is hard seeing it be so easy for most and so hard for us... to want something so bad but to only watch others get what I want so much... I sound SO selfish and I hate that also... I have just been in this mode lately where I just keep repeating to myself that I may never have another child - over and over again - I just want to be able to accept it - maybe if I keep saying it I will accept it but I am no where near close to that yet... it still kills me that Brev may be an only child - I don't want that for him.. I never have but I may be forced to just accept it.. that might be what it is and there is nothing I can do about it but it is SO hard seeing the rest of the world grow their families.... just a rough start to this week I guess but hopefully my "business" will get me through and hopefully mask some of my emotions... next week will be better right? Now that I vented and had a good cry.. I feel just a bit better.