Do you want to know the future?

He said to them: “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you"...

Acts 1:7-8a

Pros and Cons of Knowing the Future

Have you ever wished you knew the future?  

To know ahead of time whether or not you will contract a disease or even to know how long you will live; to know how the lives of your children will turn out, whether or not they will walk with the Lord, and whether their lives will be filled with joy or pain.

It's probably safe to say that a majority of us would rather not know the future concerning the above circumstances, and instead would hold on to hope for a long life, and to see our children live their lives in the joy of the Lord.

There are other situations where I wish I did know the future, but more from an outcome basis perspective regarding circumstances already set in motion. 

I assume that could be said of many of us.   To know whether a person will be healed from a serious addiction or a difficult diagnosis; to know whether a marriage that is in trouble will ultimately survive; to know whether all of the prayers for the salvation of our children, spouses and families will be answered with a "yes"; to know whether a prayed for child will be conceived...  

I'm sure you could add many other outcomes that you wish you could know the future...

Yet some people find themselves in devastating circumstances where they do ultimately know the future. 

Simeon prophesied that Mary would see her son Jesus be opposed by many and that a sword would pierce her very soul.

Then Simeon blessed them, and he said to Mary, the baby’s mother, “This child is destined to cause many in Israel to fall, and many others to rise. He has been sent as a sign from God, 

but many will oppose him. As a result, the deepest thoughts of many hearts will be revealed. 

And a sword will pierce your very soul.”

Luke 2:34-35

I witnessed first hand a young mother who would end up knowing the future...  

Her baby was born with a terminal disease and a life expectancy of only 2 years of age.   It seemed so cruel.  This young momma had longed for a baby before she even met her husband.    At first, the baby seemed fine, but by two months old, this sweet momma knew what the future of the baby would hold here on earth...  But God...

As the months went on, I watched this young mother pour her life into her baby, living every day to the fullest, not allowing grim medical predictions to steel her joy. 

She had faith that the Lord would heal her son, whether it be in the physical body or deliverance into the loving arms of Jesus.

Her life emulated that of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane.

Then Jesus went with them to a place called Gethsemane, and he said to his disciples, “Sit here, while I go over there and pray.”...    “My soul is very sorrowful, even to death; remain here, and watch with me.” And going a little farther he fell on his face and prayed, saying, “My Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me; nevertheless, not as I will, but as you will.”

Matthew 26:36; 38-39

This young mother's incredible testimony throughout her son's life Glorified the Father.  And still, in her son's death, this young mom brought great Glory to her Heavenly Father.  

During the Memorial Service, her son's life and death were shared in such a profoundly beautiful way, weaving in the life and death of The Son's life.  The Gospel went forth in power in the mighty name of Jesus through His deliverance of their precious, precious baby boy.

This young momma is able to endure profound grief knowing that her baby boy is happy and pain free, in the presence of Christ, and that one day she will be reunited with her son and will meet the Son of God face to face.

For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame,

 and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

Hebrews 12:2

The date and time had come for this young momma's son's future to be at hand, but indeed, at the time ordained by the Father, the Holy Spirit came upon her with power, upholding her through profound grief so that she could put one foot in front of the other and continue living her life in honor of her son's life, for the furtherance of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and in the joy of the Lord.

A Future With God

No matter what the future of Believers holds here on earth, whether we have a glimpse into it or the future remains a mystery, we can trust that the Holy Spirit will infuse us with His power so that we may walk through it in strength and joy.

My times are in your hands; deliver me

Psalm 31:15a

Do you want to receive the Holy Spirit's power here on Earth?

Do you want to know what your future is?

Trust in the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus to remove your sins as far as the East is from the West.  Turn away from those sins.  Do not trust in your own works, but accept Jesus as your personal Savior.   Once you entrust your life to Christ, your future will be known - a future in Heaven with Jesus.

 In My Father’s house are many rooms. If it 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 welcome you into My presence, so that you also may be where I am. 

You know the way to the place where I am going.”…

John 14:2-4

May the God of peace fill you will all joy and hope knowing that your future here on Earth and in Heaven are secure in Him.

Because he lives

I can face tomorrow

Because he lives

All fear is gone

Because i know he holds the future

And life is worth the living

Just because he lives

Bill Gaither

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3 Reassuring Reasons not to be Anxious About the Future

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