Truth be known, everyone has a certain amount of concern regarding the future. The possibility of adverse future circumstances always exists, and there is a natural desire to want to know what's coming and prepare. And there is precedent for specific information about the future being revealed for this very reason.
"Now at this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up and began to indicate by the Spirit that there would certainly be a great famine all over the world. And this took place in the reign of Claudius. And in the proportion that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brethren living in Judea. And this they did, sending it in charge of Barnabas and Saul to the elders." (Acts 11:27-30)
Most unpleasant future events are mercifully hidden from us until they arrive, but key events that affect the people of God, for which preparation can be made, are revealed in advance. Consider the great famine in Egypt that affected the people of God during the time of Joseph (Genesis 41). God revealed specific details through a dream so that wise preparations could be made. And the account we read in Acts eleven sounds similar.
I've often heard it said that "I don't know what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future." Well, there are time when He Who holds the future DOES reveal the future, so that the people of God can prepare.
Knowledge of Bible prophecy disturbs many, because the cataclysmic events of the end times threaten personal safety and security. What will become of the people of God as these horrific plagues and judgments are unleashed upon the world?
The famine in the days of Joseph and the worldwide famine predicted by prophets in Acts eleven indicate to us that God reveals specific details of the future so that the people of God can prepare. And this offers comfort and assurance as we face an uncertain future: God will somehow communicate to us similarly so that we can be provided for in perilous times.
A merciful and gracious God hold both today and tomorrow in His hands, and is far more concerned for our welfare and care than we will ever know. Live for Him and His kingdom today, and trust His plan and provision for the uncertain future that stretches out before us.
Steve
© 2010, Steve Taylor
"Now at this time some prophets came down from Jerusalem to Antioch. One of them named Agabus stood up and began to indicate by the Spirit that there would certainly be a great famine all over the world. And this took place in the reign of Claudius. And in the proportion that any of the disciples had means, each of them determined to send a contribution for the relief of the brethren living in Judea. And this they did, sending it in charge of Barnabas and Saul to the elders." (Acts 11:27-30)
Most unpleasant future events are mercifully hidden from us until they arrive, but key events that affect the people of God, for which preparation can be made, are revealed in advance. Consider the great famine in Egypt that affected the people of God during the time of Joseph (Genesis 41). God revealed specific details through a dream so that wise preparations could be made. And the account we read in Acts eleven sounds similar.
I've often heard it said that "I don't know what the future holds, but I know Who holds the future." Well, there are time when He Who holds the future DOES reveal the future, so that the people of God can prepare.
Knowledge of Bible prophecy disturbs many, because the cataclysmic events of the end times threaten personal safety and security. What will become of the people of God as these horrific plagues and judgments are unleashed upon the world?
The famine in the days of Joseph and the worldwide famine predicted by prophets in Acts eleven indicate to us that God reveals specific details of the future so that the people of God can prepare. And this offers comfort and assurance as we face an uncertain future: God will somehow communicate to us similarly so that we can be provided for in perilous times.
A merciful and gracious God hold both today and tomorrow in His hands, and is far more concerned for our welfare and care than we will ever know. Live for Him and His kingdom today, and trust His plan and provision for the uncertain future that stretches out before us.
Steve
© 2010, Steve Taylor
posted by steve @ 7:21 AM
1 Comments:
At 8:07 PM,
Anonymous said…
Thank you, Steve. I found those thoughts to be uplifting. I sometimes know we can get a little frightened about the future, but it is great that we can really be comforted because we "know the end of the book". Hope this finds you and Jill well and busy. All ok here. Lonnie (our son) spoke at the Missouri St Conf this past weekend and we got to see the folks at the Peculiar Church. (I think that is so funny). Will be seeing John and Chris Fri as we are in IN and plan on visiting with them. Take care and you all are always in our prayers. Nancy
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