As I start today looking to be the dad my wife, kids, and family and find myself in between with a perspective of what I have left behind and what is before me. The perspective of knowing it was time to get out and go back which is now in the past and I’m sitting with the perspective of “and” that will join the two phases. Trusting God allows me to be ok and have a positive perspective on what is yet to come.
Beginning: Embracing Hope in New Chapters
As I step into this new phase of fatherhood, I’m reminded of the importance of embracing hope. Isaiah 43:18-19 declares,
"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the wilderness and streams in the wasteland."
This verse assures us that God is continually at work, bringing about new beginnings and opportunities for growth. By focusing on the hope found in God’s promises, we can approach new chapters in life with optimism and anticipation, knowing that He is leading the way.
End: Finding Peace in God’s Sovereignty
As I reflect on the journey behind me, I find solace in God’s sovereignty. Proverbs 16:9 reminds us,
"In their hearts humans plan their course, but the Lord establishes their steps."
This verse emphasizes the truth that, ultimately, God is in control of our lives, guiding us toward His purposes and plans. Even as we reach the end of one chapter, we can trust in His faithfulness and provision for what lies ahead. By surrendering to His will and trusting in His timing, we can find peace in knowing that He is leading us toward our ultimate destination.
In Between: Living with Purpose and Trust
In the midst of the in-between, where past meets future, it’s crucial to live with purpose and trust in God’s provision. Philippians 1:6 assures us,
"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."
This verse reminds us that God is continually at work in our lives, guiding and shaping us for His purposes. As we navigate the uncertainties of the present, we can take comfort in the knowledge that God is with us every step of the way, leading us toward His perfect plan. By maintaining a perspective of purpose and trust, we can embrace the journey with confidence, knowing that God is faithful to fulfill His promises.
Perspectives: Guiding Lights Through Life’s Phases
In life’s journey, our perspectives play a pivotal role in shaping how we navigate the various phases – the beginning, the end, and the in-between. As we embark on new chapters, it’s essential to embrace hope, trusting in God’s promise to lead us forward. Likewise, as we reach the end of one phase, finding peace in God’s sovereignty brings comfort, knowing that He is guiding our steps. And in the in-between, where past meets future, living with purpose and trust enables us to navigate with confidence, knowing that God is continually at work in our lives.
Ultimately, regardless of where we find ourselves in life, maintaining a perspective anchored in faith and trust in God’s guidance empowers us to face each phase with hope, peace, and purpose. As we journey through life’s twists and turns, may our perspectives be guided by the timeless truths of Scripture, illuminating the path before us and leading us toward the fulfillment of God’s plans for our lives.
Today’s Devotional:
This year, I am utilizing the 365 Daily Devotions book I received for Christmas, applying its teachings specifically in the context of fatherhood. It’s called WALKING WITH GOD by DAVID JEREMIAH. It’s exciting to get to learn from a new resource this year as we have tried different options the past two years and will keep working through this one for 2024. For more information about the author and his ministry, visit: DavidJeremiah.org.
Topic: A MATTER OF PERSPECTIVE
Verse: Hebrews 11:26 (NIV)
He regarded disgrace for the sake of Christ as of greater value than the treasures of Egypt, because he was looking ahead to his reward.
Be anxious for nothing, Put your trust in God!
Today’s Devotional kicks off point out how “most of the anxiety we experience in life has to do with the future–the unknown.” Let’s be the dads who keep our eyes on Jesus, our focus on God, no matter what is going on now or could be coming in the future. Let’s be present for our wives and kids! Let’s not lose the gift of the present by worrying about the future. Today’s Devotional points to how in the midst of the challenges of today we have a tendency to be looking to the future with questions like “how long will this last?”, “how is this going to change my life?”, and even “how can I keep something like this from happening again?”.
Faith over Fear: Perspectives on the future
Today’s Devotional points to how there are only 2 perspectives when considering the future: “with faith or with fear.” If we move forward from today’s verse, we see how Moses chose to approach the future when we read:
By faith he left Egypt, not fearing the king’s anger; he persevered because he saw him who is invisible. -- Hebrews 11:27 (NIV)
Today’s verse speaks to the “why?” he was able to do that when we read: “he was looking ahead to his reward.” Let’s be the dads who like Moses choose to face our future with faith rather than fear because we have a heavenly perspective, and eternal perspective, and not a limited and early perspective. Just like how Moses was willing to give up the earthly life of Egypt for the eternal life with God, let’s be the dads who for the sake of our wives, kids, and world choose to have a heavenly perspective and live our lives by and with faith!
Choose to live with a heavenly eternal perspective
Today’s Devotional closes out telling us to not be tempted to fear something in our futures. It is calling us to live by faith and with faith by choosing to live our lives with a heavenly perspective. Let’s be the dads who choose to see life – past, present, and future – the way God sees it.
“Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.”
WILLIAM CAREY
