The Blessed Life

    At times our sense of a positive, expectant future wavers as we see people move farther from God.  We also have a deep concern over the direction of our country.  We long for a renewed hope for tomorrow.  But God has given us a wonderful promise that includes everything we need to live life and to be godly (2 Peter 1:3)  Part of that everything is a belief in the future.  First, we can look forward to tomorrow because of our personal relationship with God.  Romans 5:2 declares, “For because of our faith, He was brought us into this place of highest privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to actually becoming all that God has had in mind for us to be.”  Next, our hope is strengthened because God gives us a special standing with Him.  Romans 5:11says, “Now we rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God- all because of what our Lord Jesus Christ has done in dying for our sins- making us friends with God.”  Verse 10b continues,“...what blessings He must have for us now that we are His friends, and He is living within us.”  And finally, we can trust God for all situations and challenges the future holds. “We can rejoice too, when we run into problems and trials for we know that they are good for us- they help us to learn to be patient.  And patience develops strength of character in us and helps us trust God more each time we use it until finally our hope and faith are strong and steady.  Then when that happens, we are able to hold our heads high no matter what happens and know that all is well, for we know how dearly God loves us...” Romans 5:3-5a Living Bible.  Our future is secure, our hope is bright because God holds our tomorrows and He will make sure we receive the needed goodness and grace for living a truly blessed life.