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My, my, my. Now there's a fitting verse for an upcoming 2012!
Ever since Tom was laid-off, whenever I'm tempted to peer into our future (financial, health-wise and otherwise) always I hear, "Just obey Me Today. Today's obedience will lead to Tomorrow's provision."
I mean, hey. Only God knows how to turn a Good Today into a Good Future.
Oh, I know people who worry about what will happen when they reach their 60's and 70's. How they'll feel physically or whether they'll be alone, will they have enough money, where will they live and will it all be as good as their Today or will it be horrible, lonely and painful?
Personally, I don't let myself go there. Well, not for more than 20 seconds, or so.
No, I spend my Todays trying to listen. What does God want me to do Today? Where (if anyplace) does He want me to go? Does He want me to tweak how I'm treating Tom lately? Should I earn some money today? Print-out some coupons or complete some surveys? What subject should I learn about Today? What sorts of exercises should I do? Should I find a couple healthy recipes online? Who should I email with some encouragement?
Today! I can handle Today.
But tomorrow, both literally and twenty years from now? Nah, not so much. Why? Because we walk to our future one Today at a time.
Grace spills herself all over Today. She's everywhere. She's here to help and advise and strengthen and to complete things, too (ah, sweet completion!).
Grace is why I can handle Today. She is a worry eraser. A trust booster, as well. Grace, truly, is amazing.
With God and Grace, Life is a colorful adventure made easier by true faith and trust and wisdom for right decisions. May I never allow worry and fear to turn it into a sad, difficult and dark one.
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"Trust and obey,
for there's no other way
To be happy in Jesus,
But to trust and obey." ... copied
"Do not let your hearts be troubled (distressed, agitated)." ... John 14:1
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Oh! I found this to be visually stunning, like a painting-come-to-life. Waaaaaaait for it------ It's the jump at the end of the (short scene) which was awesome.
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I agree that we should trust God, but I also feel that God helps those who help themselves. It is a juggle, or sorts.
ReplyDeleteI have a family member who has to help support his father because that father did not plan for his future. He made good money, but he and his wife spent more than they made. I don't ever want my kids to have to support me, so I plan ahead, save what I can, and try to be a good steward of the money I have available, while still trusting in God's provision.
nancyr
Uh-oh, Nancy.... You missed my whole point!
ReplyDeleteMy point was that *today* God tells me the things to do which will matter to my future. Only He knows what I can do today that will make my future better!
Please reread my post, especially the paragraph which tells how I ask each day what He wants me to do. When I print-out coupons or improve my marriage or search for healthy recipes and exercise, etc.--All those things affect my future.
And only God has the wisdom to know what I can do today so that my future will be a good one. *My* plans will fail--my plans without God's wisdom.
*Worrying* about my future will stress me out, make me sick and ruin my future--and that was my point, too.
Blessings, Debra
I didn't mean imply criticism, I know you have worked hard at saving money, and live within your means. I just have a "need" to plan for the future, when I budget, and stay debt-free in ways that I can manage.
ReplyDeleteI figure I'm helping God, help me ;)
Thank you Debra. Good thinking..good thought. I know you are not telling us how to live our own lives just telling us how you are led. The truth is in your writing though. Why am I pondering so much when I should be quiet and open my heart and mind to His thoughts? He has never led me wrong..ever. So why am I trying to do this myself? He has gotten me this far and will not leave me. Sarah
ReplyDeleteHello
ReplyDeleteI really enjoyed the seed for thought.
Trusting your enjoying the holiday
Happy New Year