The Future Starts Now
A few days ago I read a passage that touched my heart again on the subject of destiny. The word destiny has been dropped for the most part from those who claim the cutting edge in Gospel terminology.
Sometimes I think in our effort to lead we move too fast. It takes a while to get it sometimes.
I have watched people and their hesitance to turn their lives over to Christ. Failing somehow to convey the wonderful walk that He has designed for us, I step forward again today with a message on your destiny. Maybe, one more time will be what it will take for someone to see and comprehend the Amazing Life that Christ wants to live through you.
Let me read a quote that defines destiny as close as I believe it can be defined. “Destiny may be seen either as a fixed sequence of events that is inevitable and unchangeable, or that individuals choose their own destiny by choosing different paths throughout their life.”
I chose this meaning for a very important reason. God has, and I will prove it from His word shortly, designed a successful and fulfilling life for each of us. One of strength and purpose. One that can not even be imagined in our minds.
Yet, without argument, it is your choice to accept it.
Please do not be mislead in thinking that I am only speaking to people who have not accepted Christ as their Saviour. My message today is for all of us who are trying to live our own lives while still trying to stay in the will of God. Years ago we sang a song and one of the lines went this way; “give up and let Jesus take over.”
The title of my message today is: “The Future Starts Now.”
Ephesians 1:11 KJV
In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will:
This is a great passage and even greater when we open it up from the message Bible and add verse 12.
Ephesians 1:11-12 Message
It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
I believe that everyone needs to read this passage over and over again until we all get it.
In Christ we find out who we are, in Christ we find out what we are living for. In Christ we find hope and have hope. In Christ we find a life that has taken much thought to create. A life of glorious living and a part of a universal plan.
Oh well, why didn’t you say so pastor. Sign me up. I’m in.
There is often one statement missing at the signing. If you will. It is this. “Whatever you want me to do and wherever you want me to go, I will follow you.”
The one thing that is so hard for us to give up is who we are. It is difficult to accept that when we follow Christ it is never about us and it is always about Him.
Yet Christ lives in me, and I feel the pain He feels when His chosen ones hurt from the sins of others. When His little ones cry in the darkness for some peace and relief from all the hurt they have experienced. I hurt when He hurts for people who will not forgive them selves or accept the forgiveness He paid such a great price for.
I hurt for the addict who takes that drink or that drug in hopes that it will make all the pain go away.
I feel the pain of the neglected and the abused. All this and more because Christ lives in me.
My hopes for you are His hopes.
I want to say something now that we used to say all the time when we first started this church. I believe it is time to say it over and over again.
“Your past does not have to shape your destiny.”
Let me read the passage from Ephesians again.
“It’s in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.”
Christ has the power to override the circumstances in our lives. He has the power to change what was meant to be bad into something good. He has the plan that is still waiting on you to receive. In Him we can be assured of knowing who we are and what we are living for.
You may be wondering where the will and the strength will come from to help you live your destiny in Christ. If I choose to follow Christ and follow Him without reservation. How will I make it?
Colossians 1:12 KJV
Giving thanks unto the Father, which hath made us meet to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in light:
Message
“thanking the Father who makes us strong enough to take part in everything bright and beautiful that he has for us.”
The hope comes from Him. The destiny for your life comes from Him. Everything you will ever need comes from Him.
Your life in Christ is one that will not be lived alone. I can assure you that God will place someone in your life at the right time. Someone to offer you a helping hand or a word of encouragement. You will hear a scripture or see God in another life. Whatever you need at any given circumstance of your life you will find in Christ.
Some are probably thinking, I have plenty of time. I have the future to make these decisions.
Others may have convinced yourselves that it just won’t work for you.
Still others wonder if anything can make the hurt and the pain go away.
It is your destiny, and it is your choice.
Let me close with a passage that I want you to pay very close attention to.
I Peter 1:3-5 Message
What a God we have! And how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Master Jesus! Because Jesus was raised from the dead, we’ve been given a brand-new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven—and the future starts now! God is keeping careful watch over us and the future. The Day is coming when you’ll have it all—life healed and whole.
Your past does not have to control your future. Your future starts fresh and new right now.
Tags: Destiny, forgiveness, future, gospel
