“Created in Christ to do good works.” Ephesians 2:10 NIV
“Use what you have, in the time that you’re given, and you will receive what you need.”
My thoughts today ask, “why not now?”
As a teen, I think I was a procrastinator. Right now never felt like a convenient time; later always seemed better. My Dad often had to remind me, “There is no better time than right now to do what you should do.” Too easily, people waste valuable time and miss irreplaceable opportunities waiting for a better time later. There is a principle of stewardship that can be simply stated as, “Use what you have, in the time that you’re given, and you will receive what you need.” Have you ever wasted time just waiting, doing nothing? Have you held onto hope, while meanwhile, doing little to move in the direction of your hope?
A lot of your life will be lived “in the meanwhile” – awkward, uncomfortable times between what you’re experiencing and what you are expecting. Know this; some measure of your future is inseparably connected to your present efforts. What you do now impacts what you will have of God’s promise and intention later. Use the moments now advantageously.
God’s command, “Multiply there and do not decrease,” was written to people in an extreme and adverse situation. See Jeremiah 29:6 NAS. Their nation had been plundered; Israel’s best and finest – leadership, nobility, and skilled – were taken from their homes and country to live in a foreign land. In the midst of such times, God made a wonderful promise of His plans to give them “a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 NLT.
Essentially, God said to them, “Your future starts now. You evidence your belief in tomorrow by being productive today.” Read Jeremiah 29:4-14. Some people dismiss the possibility of any reversal of present experience as unlikely, returning to low expectations and old routines. Others might take such a promise as fact, but simply mark their time waiting rather than working for a better future. Both groups will be disappointed with a future that never arrives.
The practical truth is this; live fully today while looking forward to tomorrow. Being productive where you are is the best way to get where you want to be. God’s instruction to Israel was strange but simple: build houses; plant gardens; raise families; prosper today; bless others, and pray for the prosperity of all around you. St. Augustine wrote: “Work as though everything depends upon you; pray as though everything depends on God!” What are good seed are you sowing today that God can bless?
Remember, you were “created in Christ Jesus to do good works.” Ephesians 2:10 NIV. What you do now shapes the fullness of your future. Become productive now in every way that you can. Evidence faithfulness; strengthen conviction; demonstrate character; develop potential. Multiply now to enjoy the maximum later. Prepare for your envisioned future. Be ready when God releases your future. People who do not prepare live pointless, unproductive, and unhappy lives.
My prayer for you today is: realize the greatness of God’s heart for you today and tomorrow.