What Does The Future Look Like?

Read

Philippians 3:20-21 "But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body."

John 14:1-3 "Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am."

Think

The future can often seem uncertain and even frightening, but the Bible gives us a clear and hopeful picture of what lies ahead. Christian eschatology—the study of the end times—is not meant to scare us but to offer assurance and hope. As believers, we can look forward to a future that is secure in God's hands.

Consider the promise in Revelation 21:4: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." This vision of the new heaven and new earth is a powerful reminder that all the pain and suffering we experience now is temporary. God has promised a future where all things are made new, and his peace reigns eternally. This gives us a profound sense of hope and encouragement, knowing that the struggles we face are not the end of the story.

C.S. Lewis once said, "There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind." This perspective is crucial as we navigate our daily lives. While we may face trials and uncertainties, our ultimate destination is filled with unimaginable joy and fulfillment in God's presence. This future promise should motivate us to live faithfully and courageously, knowing that our present actions have eternal significance.

In the meantime, we are called to live in the light of this future hope. 1 Thessalonians 5:8-11 urges us to "put on faith and love as a breastplate, and the hope of salvation as a helmet." We are to encourage one another and build each other up, holding on to the hope we have in Christ. By focusing on God’s promises, we can endure hardships and spread his love and hope to those around us.

Apply

Think on the promises of God regarding the future. (eternal life, heaven, his return, glorified body, peace, no more suffering, etc.) Write down any fears or uncertainties you have about the future, and then counter them with the truths found in Scripture.

Pray

Lord, thank you for the hope and assurance you give us about the future. Help me to trust in your promises and live each day with the confidence that you hold my future in your hands. Strengthen me to encourage others with the hope of your coming kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.