Past, Present, Future

If I’m honest, most days I struggle to live in the present moment. I either get nostalgic about the past, often thinking back with only fondness on situations that in reality, also had some challenges. Or, I long for the future and want to fast forward through difficult circumstances. Hebrews 13:8 says, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” These words remind me that Jesus transcends time. He is not limited to constraints of yesterday, today, and tomorrow. These words remind me how I am to view my past, present, and future. When I look to my past, I am to remember what Jesus has done for me – dying on the cross to take on the punishment that my sin deserves. He has saved me from a life of eternal separation from God and instead, given me a life full of hope.

At my small group a while ago we somehow got into the topic of adoption and how expensive it can be for both international and domestic adoptions. But really, this is not such a new development. Ephesians 1:4-7 explains that my adoption into God’s family was quite pricey, after all. This knowledge of what Jesus did in the past should inform my present, helping me to live a life of gratitude and freedom, knowing that I am forgiven and redeemed. When I look to the future, I am to do so without fear. God’s word tells me how it will all end, with Christ seated on the throne, and sin and death defeated. In the meantime, He is sovereign over all situations, working out His purposes for my good (Romans 8:28). I also know, though, that there will be a day of judgement in the future and this too informs my present.

How am I living to show Christ's love to those around me? Am I seeking out every possible opportunity to share the gospel with the people in my life, not in an obnoxious way but in a way that shows that I believe this Good News to be the truth of God’s love for a sinful people? Truthfully, I forget to live with that perspective far too often. Oh that I would live each day of my life loving people well and displaying to everyone I meet that the same Jesus who redeemed my past, is giving me purpose for my present and hope for my future.