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Present of the Present

    Jesus often gives us a glimpse into our future. Maybe He gives us promises of salvation or reconciliation or an idea of where our calling will take us. Whatever He gives us, it is easy to put our focus on that. I tend to try taking steps to make those things happen or become stir crazy just waiting with those things on my mind.

    The point of those glimpses Jesus gives us is to propel us forward. He encourages us that things won't always be the way they are now, that He has a big plan for our life, etc. Whatever it may be, it is to drive us increasingly towards Him. I challenge you to take heart from His encouragement and be focused on what is in front of you today. We tend to believe that it is up to us to put in the work to get to the places we want to be, but in reality Jesus does all of the work behind the scenes to get us where He wants us to be. We should not be wasting time focused on the future, but instead we should enjoy what He has for us now.

    Wherever we are on our spiritual journey with Jesus, we have to learn to be content. We should be content in the waiting and trust Jesus to handle what He has already promised. Be content in the difficult times because we will face many throughout this life. We waste our time and energy being dissatisfied with the present or trying to make things work on our own. Accept what is going on in your life in the present and look for Jesus in it. Where is He wanting your attention today? On the future? Or on Him?

Philippians 4:11-12 Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. (ESV)

Hebrews 13:5 Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (ESV)

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