Next

This is a word that often brings hope, excitement, anticipation or maybe anxiety. I don’t always know what will happen next. I can guess what happens next based on “cause and effect”. I can also notice a pattern and see what might very well happen next.

The Lord’s amazing grace and mercy is well documented in His Word. He has always expected obedience. His people did not always comply. In many cases, “next” was severe discipline and punishment. Ezekiel speaks to the relationship the Lord enjoyed with His people. He took them in His arms when they were but an infant – helpless and vulnerable. He provided for them. He blessed them, but they shunned and ignored Him. I’ve been there and done that too. After the Lord disciplines what comes next is unexpected but welcomed. Check this out…

59 ‘“This is what the Sovereign Lord says: I will deal with you as you deserve, because you have despised my oath by breaking the covenant. 60 Yet I will remember the covenant I made with you in the days of your youth, and I will establish an everlasting covenant with you.

62 So I will establish my covenant with you, and you will know that I am the Lord. 63 Then, when I make atonement for you for all you have done, you will remember and be ashamed and never again open your mouth because of your humiliation, declares the Sovereign Lord.”’ (Ezekiel 16:59-60; 62-63 NIV)

As I anticipate what will happen today, tomorrow, next week, next month or next year – I don’t worry and stress because I know WHO holds what’s “next”. I want to follow Him, to trust Him and lean into Him when uncertainty rears it’s ugly head. I want to stay calm and hold tight until He shows me what is next.

Pressing On!

Dwayne