“The essence of optimism is that it takes no account of the present, but it is a source of inspiration, vitality and hope.
It enables a man to hold his head high, to claim the future for himself and not to abandon it to his enemy.”
- Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Letters and Papers from Prison (1953)
How would you describe your usual outlook on the future?
“The Lord might provide?”—hoping for divine help to survive.
“The Lord could provide”—feeling God will help if He chooses to.
“The Lord will provide”—exercising radical faith whatever happens.
If death occurs, there will ultimately be a day of resurrection.
Whatever we need between now and not yet, God will furnish.
If nothing works out like we wish, God will strengthen our character.
If hard times come along, we will still be able to find reasons to be grateful.
It is good to keep in mind that the cross is a plus sign—
changing negativism to positivism, checkmating death by life,
canceling transgression by forgiveness, conquering hate by love,
eclipsing crucifixion by resurrection, converting skeptics into believers.
We can be optimistic because God’s infinite power sustains, and His unfailing love comforts.
We can be optimistic because God promises that goodness will prevail at the dawn of eternity.
God looks on the bright side—far brighter than we could ever imagine from our limited perspective.
Rest assured—the future is just as bright as the trustworthy promises of the quintessential Eternal Optimist.
The Lord Will Provide.
Genesis 22:14 NLT
Johnny R. Almond
Pastor, Colonial Beach Baptist Church, Virginia
Author, Gentle Whispers from Eternity—Scripture Personalized
Book available through local bookseller or preferred on-line retailer.
Author’s blog www.GentleWhispersFromEternity-ScripturePersonalized.com
[This devotion based on / adapted from Day 14 of Gentle Whispers from Eternity]
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