Other Side of the Coin

Our church is located in the heart of downtown, surrounded by business folks who spend a lot of time strategizing how to make a profit. It is a fair concern for that is their work. But James reminds us that we don’t know what tomorrow will bring. [And how true that proved to be with the sudden crisis of the pandemic.]

Most people consider this a warning to be cautious, for terrible things could happen tomorrow. The economy could fail again [and it will]. Your health may take a turn for the worse. You might get released from your job. A family member may go sideways and require a great deal of help. Yet this is only one side of the coin in this word to us today.

As followers of Jesus, we can also look forward to tomorrow. He can meet us in the morning with good news and hope. Jesus can change our circumstances, and it can be a brand new day.

How often do we go to sleep at night with mind traffic rehearsing all of our woes and failing to acknowledge that our Lord will meet us in the morning? Remember, he is at work even while we sleep.

Christians used to frequently say “if the Lord wills” when talking about the future. Today, we have become so worldly-minded and surrounded by so many resources that we tend to think it is all on our shoulders to resolve everything.

In parts of the world where the complexities of poverty leave people with literally nothing, they still look forward in anticipation of God bringing them into another day. The miracles that are experienced there are available to us wherever we live.

Let us receive this word in the light of tomorrow, which teaches us that God is in control rather than with suspicion and dread toward the future.

Respond in Prayer

God of eternity, as I alternate between the battles and blessings of life, help me view the future by faith. I want to do those things I know to be right. Remind me that your everlasting purposes can guide and shape my temporal circumstances. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Carson Pue