here and now

Get ahead.

That has got to be in the top 100 phrases heard by college students today. Yes, there are definite advantages to "getting ahead." You may earn a higher salary at a younger age and find financial security before your peers. You may be able to network like crazy and have a Santa list of contacts. You may be deemed "successful" in the world's eyes, but what does all that even mean? I don't really know. Why does our culture value money above time? Success above integrity?

This "get ahead" mentality spills over into our personal lives too. Everything is about being ready for the next stage in life.

While preparation is important, we should avoid putting our hope in anything other than the Lord. Tomorrow is not promised. The job market fluctuates and the stock market fails. Our health can change in an instant. Yet, as a human, I am a professional planner. Plans for this summer. Plans for next year. Plans for after college. Plans for my 30s. Okay, maybe not my 30s.

The truth is that nobody knows where they will be tomorrow. Only one thing is certain. You are exactly where the Lord wants you to be today. Proverbs 16:9 says that man has many plans but the Lord directs His steps. Looking back, I can see how my particular plans did not go through, and I am so thankful that God's plans were greater and He was guiding my every move.

It is normal to get nervous if you see your life heading towards something that is unfamiliar and maybe a little scary. However, I think it is unfortunate when we spend our time preparing excessively for the future. I think this preparation can subtract from our today. Our Father promises to go before us. (See Dt. 31:8.) He is constantly preparing us through our life experiences for what is to come in the future. Right now, the task is at hand. God has graciously give today and we have told Him that it's not enough.

Jesus didn't spend His entire life preparing to be nailed on the cross. He was always where he was. If He was at the well for water, He was there ready to listen and savor the moment with a woman He would probably have never seen otherwise. (John 4)

If the Lord has gone before me and is continuing to go before me, what have I to fear about the future? If He is preparing me for what is to come, why am I worrying about how ready I am?

I question if the things for which we are preparing ourselves now are the things in which we have placed our hope. I know for a fact I am guilty of misplacing my hope. My hope is more often in my future circumstances than the future revelation of God's glory.


The Lord is the One Who goes before you. He will be with you. He will be faithful to you and will not leave you alone. Do not be afraid or troubled. -Dt. 31:8


Because of our faith, Christ has brought us into this place of undeserved privilege where we now stand, and we confidently and joyfully look forward to sharing God’s glory. -Romans 5:2


What are you planning for? Have you placed your hope in something other than the firm promise that we will one day share in the glory of God?