|
|
Scripture References:
• James 4:13-15,The Amplified Bible
• Matthew 6:20-34,New Living Translation
• Genesis 41
• Proverbs 6:6-8
You have only one life, what are you going to do with it? Are you making the most
of every day by spending quality time with the people you love? Or do you worry
about tomorrow? The Bible tells us that tomorrow is not promised. Since tomorrow
is not promised, why would you spend today worrying about it?
In Matthew 6:34, Jesus charges us not to worry about tomorrow because today has
enough worries in and of itself. Essentially, when we worry about tomorrow, we are
compounding our troubles. Of course, it is important to prepare for the future,
and live as if tomorrow will happen. Still, worrying about tomorrow causes many
people to miss the blessings of today.
Worry is faith in reverse, and it is a sin God warns us to avoid. However, preparing
or planning ahead for a rainy day is biblical, and it is important to realize there
is a difference between the two. They are the result of two very different mindsets.
Worrying is the result of fear, while preparing and planning ahead are the result
of faith. In essence, worry reveals more trust in Satan's ability to generate lack
than in God's ability to provide.
As a loving Father, God has promised to always provide for His children. So because
He has promised to provide, we know the provision has already been made. In fact,
He has provided for us so well that we have enough resources to live today and plan
for tomorrow. Now it's up to us to begin to use the resources He has given us for
today and tomorrow.
A great example of planning ahead can be found in Genesis 41. Joseph planned for
famine during the years of plenty. However, he wasn't nervous or afraid that he
would experience lack. He knew God as his Provider, so he simply took the surplus
of what he had and prepared for the famine. As a result, not only was he taken care
of, he was able to help others in the midst of famine.
Another example of planning is mentioned in Proverbs 6:6—8. These verses describe
the ant gathering and storing food during harvest time. So it is important to understand
that saving for a rainy day is absolutely what God expects us to do. In fact, Proverbs
6:6 refers to the ant as wise. Likewise, we display godly wisdom when we do the
same.
Our time on Earth is short, and in all honesty, we exist only for one reason. We
are here to fulfill a specific assignment from God, and we have to trust in His
ability to provide everything we need—both today and tomorrow. So don't worry
about tomorrow. You only have one life to live, enjoy it! Do what you can today,
plan for tomorrow, and trust God to take care of the rest!
– Dr. Creflo A. Dollar
|