What’s Ahead?
Truth? For everyone who ever has, is, or will walk this earth – nothing is static. Life changes – sometimes gradually, sometimes in an instant.
About two thousand years ago Jesus’ cousin John was born. His papa hadn’t been able to speak since learning he was going to be a father. At his birth when Elizabeth said we’re naming the baby John, all present said ‘That’s not a family name, Zechariah what should it be?’ Zechariah wrote: “His name is John.” Instantly Zechariah could speak again, and he began praising God.” (Luke 1:63b-64 NLT)
About thirty or so years later a beggar, blind and at the mercy of anyone with pity called out to the Healer. “Lord,” he said, “I want to see!” And Jesus said, “All right, receive your sight! Your faith has healed you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too.” (Luke 18:39b&40-42 NLT)
I’m seeing a trend – and it’s not the miracles. And it’s not rubbing a genie lamp and instantly getting what we want. Each time praising God was the response.
Not every life changing moment is rosy – some are catastrophic. Our response has to do with our focus. Zechariah was surely frustrated but for nine months he looked ahead to what was coming. The blind man was shunned and had nothing but when the One he had heard about came his way he loudly kept calling even when shooshed by the crowd. His focus on the only One who could help.
Our problems, our ‘oh no-now whats’, our helplessness usually result in short-sightedness. As Renee Ratcliffe recently said “Sometimes I look around instead of looking ahead.” Miracles or tragedies and all the in between – we need to improve our vision by keeping it focused ahead. To what God has called us to, to our someday when we will see clearly.
“I ask that your minds may be opened to see His light, so that you will know what is the hope to which He has called you, how rich are the wonderful blessings He promises His people,” (Ephesians 1:18-19a GNT) That’s what’s ahead, wonderful – blessings – promises kept. Praise Him in all things.
parisrenae 
Praising God in the hard times, in the challenging times, in the good times & the sad times! Definitely does bring blessing… Great post Paris!
Jennifer
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So true, Jennifer – reminds me of the old hymn Because He Lives – we can face all things and praise Him in all things!
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Amen!
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I loved the insights and encouragement you shared here.
Our ladies Bible study is doing a study on the Book of Ruth and one of the topics of discussion is “waiting” and interestingly enough it came up in my devotional reading from this morning too. Your blog post added a new perspective to that which is looking ahead with expectation always focused on Jesus.
Thanks for sharing.
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Karen, I have often noticed how God will bring up a particular idea/topic, like waiting, in several unrelated places. I’m thinking He’s trying to get us to go deeper in those areas – sometimes directly for us, sometimes to speak into other’s lives. Blessings as you expectantly wait on Him – always looking forward to His amazing grace!
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