One of the greatest barriers to faith is knowledge of the future. We don’t know the future, but God does. We can easily see our past and know where we have come from. We ought to be cognizant of the fact that it was God who carried us through whatever we have gone through. However, I wonder how many of us really believe that? Try as we might, to know we couldn’t have done it on our own, I think we still have as tough a time of grasping the past in faith as we do the future. What does this then say about barriers to our faith? We cannot exercise faith in the past or the future. Therefore, we have to rely on faith for right now. We can say, “I am here, right now, alive and in my right mind because God brought me through.” We can claim victory because we are alive. This really is our only measure of victory because death is defeated.

Now then, as Christians, we know that death was defeated at the cross by our Lord and Savior. However, none of us have died and risen again to tell the tale. Therefore, believing that when we die, we too, will rise again is a matter of faith. Faith has to do with the future. Does it not? What is faith?

Now faith is the certainty of things hoped for, a proof of things not seen.

Hebrews 11:1 (NASB)

Because we have seen the past, it makes sense, to a certain degree, that our faith might seem to wane regarding the past. After all, what can we hope for from the past that we have not seen? Scripture reminds us of this:

For we live by faith, not by sight.

2 Corinthians 5:7 (NIV)

This also reminds us to be guided by our faith and not the things we see. The question then is, what do we see? I’ve asked, “What can we hope for from the past that we have not seen?” A great deal!

The world moves every day, and we see very little of it. If we see so little of what happens in the world, how much more the work of God, in the realm of the Spirit? While it would foolish to believe the world is working for our benefit it’s a demonstration of faith to know that God is. 

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.

Romans 8:28 (NIV)

If we love God, we have been called according to His purpose. We can say with confidence that yesterday, and all of the days before that, God was working out all things to our good. Even when we didn’t know Him or love Him. 

Romans gives us this assurance. 

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

Romans 5:8 (NIV)

John, the Apostle, when talking about fear and love reminds us, “We love because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19 NIV). The salvation we have in Christ Jesus is proof enough of God’s love for us. I will say that again. If you are saved, then you love God. If you are saved and subsequently love God, you have been given a measure of faith by God. 

So, when we believe God is working on our behalf in the past and present. We can believe He is working for our benefit in the future. Let’s consider salvation.

If I am saved, I will go into eternity and spend it with the Lord. This means I won’t be spending eternity in hell. If, for nothing else in our lives, we have salvation, then God has worked everything out to our good. Hasn’t He? Yesterday could have been the worst day of my life so far, and it doesn’t look like God is working on my behalf at all. However, I am alive, and I am saved today. Wouldn’t it be reasonable to presume God still has some sort of use for me in this life if I am here today? Right now, able to exercise my faith?

This is how we can break the barrier of doubt looming over us about the future. Even the worst day of our life, yesterday, has no hold on us today, while we are alive and in the service of God right now. For such a time as this, we are here today. 

I’m not saying that today will be any better circumstantially than yesterday. Depending on the circumstances they may last for days, weeks, months, or even years. You may even die in them. However, regardless of our situation, we can give praise, glory, and honor to God. While our circumstances can change from day to day, our situation in Christ is eternal. Nothing can snatch us out of God’s mighty hand. 

Therefore, when we consider our future, for good or ill, we ought to consider it by looking at our present right now. At this moment, you are alive and in the service of God. The same God who has brought you to this very moment for His purpose. The same God who will carry you into tomorrow. 

Do you know God? God knows you, and He loves you. He sees you as significant because you are. No one is insignificant to Him. He’s with you today, right now, and He wants you to know Him. Jesus died for your sins and mine so we could be free of guilt, be freed from death, and live eternally with Him. Eternal salvation is just a prayer away. 

Pray this prayer with me to accept the gift of salvation today:

Lord Jesus, forgive me for all my sins. I repent from my ways. Wash me in your blood and cleanse me from all unrighteousness. I believe that you died on the cross, were buried, and on the third day, God the Father raised you from the dead. Right now, Lord Jesus, I open the door to my heart, and I receive you into my heart as my Lord and personal Savior. Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, then congratulations! You are on the first step of a brand new life. Allow me to be the first to welcome you to my family, the family of God. There are abundant resources available online for new Christians. You can visit here for more information on what to do next. You can also leave me a comment, and I’ll do my best to help you on the next step of this incredible journey.

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