God has a plan
The Rev. James T. Akers
Friday, January 5, 2007
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:5-8
The best thing about the future is that it is offered to us one day at a time. Dr. Leslie Weatherhead, an Australian minister, tells a story about being a guest in someone’s home, where he noticed a card on a side table where someone had written: “This is the day the Lord hath made, Let us rejoice and be glad in it.”
At dinner, he said to his hostess: “I am curious to know why that text is placed where anyone can read it.”
The lady said: “I was going through great trouble and sorrow. When it was morning, I wished it were evening. When evening came, I wished it would end. Then I did something I had not done before. I took my Bible and let it open on its own, and those were the words that first met my eye. I knew God was speaking directly to me. I thought, this is a clue for my life. I am worrying and brooding over the past. I am grumbling about the present. I am terrified of the future. Now, I just grasp the opportunity of this day and live it to the fullest!”
The English writer, Carlyle, said it another way: “It is an illusion that the present hour is not the critical, decisive hour. Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.” Today’s accomplishments, not yesterday’s, produce the most satisfaction.
Let’s start living in the present.
History, for us, is not a cycle repeating itself. Life passes by us only once, and if we miss it, it is gone forever. As 2007 begins, we need to become more sensitive to the present. We will gain a better understanding of what God is calling us to do this year.
Tell yourself that you don’t have to carry the load of the past. Pray for strength for today and trust God for the future. Finally, remember how mysteriously and unexpectedly God moves. We never know for certain how God works in people’s lives. Be expectant and “Trust in the Lord with all your heart!”
Prayer of the people
“O God, grant that in all our doubts and uncertainties, we might have the grace to ask what You would have us do. Save us from all false choices this year, and may Your light show us our own true path.” Amen.
• “Sunday Sermon” is a forum for Emporia area ministers to share their sermons, thoughts and observations. This week’s sermon is from the Rev. James T. Akers, state chaplain, Kansas American Legion.