It’s the biggest news on TV. It’s touted by the most decorated generals and discussed by the most intelligent scientists in the world. In fact, it is the subject of many a conversation by both the wealthy and the broke. Some fear it. Some long for it. Some don’t want it at all. Some others have great hope for it. I present to you the inevitable, the insurmountable, the unstoppable: “The Future.”
But save your applause lest you offend those not so excited about their future. There are many who are living in the worst times of their lives without hope and peace. There are those who gallantly charge forward into the future, full of hope, excitement, and a will to see a better tomorrow.
We are all familiar with the concept of the future. I’m speaking of what is defined as a “time yet to come.” The future refers to events that are likely to happen. But on a higher level, it is the concept that we live in a limited capacity, for a limited time, in a guaranteed timeless existence. The very construct of time presents us with the ability to understand the past, present, and future.
What this complexity means is that there is a future and a tomorrow for everyone. How we approach that future is then of great importance. I am sure that you have heard of those who live with one foot in their past. Maybe you’re struggling with that too. It’s the complex math that defies all those who struggle to hope for a better tomorrow.
To live a life bound to the shackles of failed dreams, past hurts, and moments of defeat or missed opportunities is to live life backward. It’s going into the future while walking with eyes fixed on the past. That never ends well.
The future is like a never-ending circuit of time with multiple variables. The constant, however, is that while we still draw breath, we will, without a doubt, continue to progress through time. And time, as we all know, stops for no one.
The future is forward. This statement carries so much power in that it calls us to reach out and step forward without the tentacles of the past. The future is not behind you; it’s before you. Or even better, as Dr. Myles Munroe taught: the future is within you. To bow out by living in a mental space of defeat or to ignore future opportunities in an attempt to avoid reliving past disappointments is the greatest disservice you can give yourself. You might as well lay down and die.
The future will come. But you have the right, the ability, the grace to march forward with hope. Hope for a better tomorrow. Hope for new productive relationships. Hope for better personal habits. Hope that addictions can be broken, pain can be replaced with joy, and lust can be replaced with contentment. With that hope, add action!
Every day is like a blank check, someone once said. Invest into it what you wish to take out of it. It’s the same with the future. Life may not be a bed of roses, but every new day is a fresh opportunity to make better choices. I don’t have to tell you what to do if life gives you lemons…
Today, I encourage you to learn from the past but never live in the past. Never dream of better days past while ignoring the beautiful days ahead. There is so much to accomplish, so much to give, and so much more beauty in a world riddled with war, disease and fear. But you have to act.
We have one hope that does not make us ashamed. Jesus promises that there will be trials and challenges, but we will always be in a state of joy because we already know we will win. There is no burden too big that He cannot bear.
Your tomorrow is guaranteed. Your future is bright. Your ‘next’ is blessed. So remember, the future is forward, so step forward.