The joy of focusing on the future
My wife and I aren’t good at surprises. When I first bought her engagement ring I barely made it until sunset before getting on one knee to propose. So as I write this in the midst of preparing her surprise fortieth birthday party it has been really difficult to not spoil it.
This has been a challenging year for my wife as we lost her dad only a month or so ago. I want nothing more than to see her smile and enjoy a needed celebration. Yet as I think about her vantage point, she has to be thinking, Well, I hope he remembers to do something for me, or possibly even, when is something good going to happen for me this year? I can’t share with her all the fun tidbits of what is being planned yet because of the extra happiness a surprise will bring with it.
I see the same thing in myself when waiting for God to act. I anxiously wait for a response email on a key work issue. I pray for the healing of a loved one or for a friend’s marriage to be restored. I ask God to show me what direction to go with a pivotal life choice. As I wait I nervously anticipate what if anything God will do with me in these situations.
Yet, behind the scenes God has been planning something bigger and better than I could imagine. He has promised me this time and time again in scripture. Here are just a few.
- “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11 NIV).
- “I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us” (Romans 8:18 NIV).
- “See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?” (Isaiah 43:19 NIV).
- “‘The days are coming,’ declares the Lord, ‘when I will fulfill the good promise I made to the people of Israel and Judah” (Jeremiah 33:14 NIV).
What if we lived our lives in full expectation of the joy that God has in store for us? I don’t mean it as a Pollyanna-like faith that every day will be easier than the last; we are certainly not guaranteed that.
But what if by faith we truly believe God is planning a celebration for us beyond our comprehension? What if His surprise party will bring us so much happiness that today’s waiting and often suffering, is well worth the wait?
Photo source: istock
 | Brian Catanella is passionate about sharing Christian leadership principles through his writing, coaching, volunteering and professional life. While professionally a consultant through UBS Institutional Consulting Group with a finance background, he is fueled daily by sharing God's love and wisdom to help contribute to the future development of coaches, teachers, parents and leaders. He is active in serving his local church in Moorestown, New Jersey where he attends with his wife and two sons. Learn More » |
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