Allie's Way

Sometimes as we look toward the future, it is fear that can halt us and keep us looking backwards instead of moving forward in God’s plan.  Proverbs 22: 4 prepares us, ” The reward for humility and fear of the Lord is riches and honor and life.”  These coming weeks have been the first weeks of my youngest daughter’s life that does not have schooling in her immediate future.  She is now an official college graduate and her future seems to loom before her.  As I watch her struggle to make decisions about her future, I remind her to turn to the Lord for guidance and remember that she is young and this is the time to live her life!  My prayer for her comes from Psalms 86:11, “Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth; unite my heart to fear your name.”  As I ponder her future plans I realize that I also face changes soon in my future.  Sometimes this is scary and sometimes it is exciting to think of what my future could hold. Whether excited or fearful of what the future will bring turning our eyes to the Lord and listening to his guidance may prove hard but rewarding in our lives.  The only fear we should ever have is of the Lord, yet scripture speaks to us in Psalm 23:4 “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”

I am watching the struggle right now in my daughter as she tries to listen and seek God’s guidance, but her youth tells her to ask everyone else and her parents for guidance.  I pray that the wisdom I provide is what God wants her to hear, as I encourage her to follow her dreams for now since she has nothing to tie her down and let God’s plan work in her life.  2 Timothy 1:7 reads for us all about the spirit God gave us, “For  God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”  She certainly has some exciting plans and ideas and I look forward to seeing which one God blesses and develops in for her future.  I am reminded of Luke 12:7 where Jesus shares, “Why, even the hairs of your head are all numbered.  Fear not; you are of more value than many sparrows.”

My husband and I are now beginning to plan the next stage of our lives.  I will soon reach retirement and now is the time for me to seek God’s guidance for the next phase of my life.  I  feel like my daughter with a new future before me, but I know that my age is telling me to seek my dreams now.  We both know we have to seek God’s guidance in making the best decision for our future.  David writes in Psalms 25:14, “The friendship of the Lord is for those who fear him, and he makes known to them his covenant.”  Exciting times are ahead!

Closing Verse: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11

Challenge:  Are you letting fear keep you from stepping out in Faith and moving into your future?  Make time with the Lord and his Word as you face the future.