a Future and a Promise.

In the dance of life, uncertainty often takes the lead, yet for the faithful, their faith serves as a steadfast compass. The Bible proclaims that the Lord has ordered the steps of the righteous.¹ This highlights a divine guidance that permeates their journey. Throughout our existence, numerous moments challenge this faith, questioning the stability of what God has established. These challenges are similar to towering giants that obstruct our view of the promised path. They blot out the sun, casting shadows of doubt and fear. Yet, in these moments of darkness, the faithful must cling to the assurance that God’s faithfulness illuminates the way forward. His Word and promises act as a lamp to our feet, offering clarity and direction amidst the obstacles. ²

Interestingly, the greatest giant we often face is ourselves. When confronted with doubt, the path forward requires humility before the Lord, allowing His glory to manifest in our lives. Our aim should be to glorify Him in all aspects, prioritizing His will above our desires. In the dance of life with the Lord, it is not without missteps. There are times we might attempt to lead, relying on our strength and subsequently faltering. Yet, in recognizing our shortcomings, we find God’s grace to be boundless and His forgiveness readily extended to those who approach Him with a humble and repentant heart.

The Promise of a Future: the Blueprint of Surrender

Drawing inspiration from today’s video (linked below), I’ve learned a profound lesson from the woman closest to my heart: to lift my eyes to the hills, the source of my help, symbolizing a focus on the future God promises.³ This lesson, at its core, has taught me to envision the divine blueprint laid out for our lives. Reflecting on the plans God evokes a mix of joy and awe. The abundance of His love fills me with happiness, while the realization of His plans for someone as flawed as myself instills a deep sense of sadness. This sentiment echoes King David’s humble inquiry, “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my house, that you have brought me thus far?”⁴ Such contemplation leaves me utterly humbled, marveling at a plan that exceeds all understanding and expectations.

I’ve come to accept that the wonders of God’s intentions for us are beyond my comprehension. The question of why God would bestow such favor on me, despite my continuous failures and inherent unworthiness, remains perplexing. Yet, it’s clear that God’s actions are driven by His own purposes and the betterment of those connected to me. This demonstrates that our worthiness is not the measure of His blessings.⁵ These reflections are not born out of doubt but from a place of awe at the grandeur of God’s plan for our lives.⁶

Having experienced failure when relying solely on my strength, I’ve recognized the futility of such endeavors. I don’t want to continue this way. My desire is to live in a manner that honors God. It is to love Him completely with every aspect of my being—heart, soul, body, and spirit—and to extend that love to all facets of my life. This journey of faith is not merely about navigating the trials we face but about transforming them into opportunities to demonstrate our trust in and love for the Lord. It’s a commitment to viewing life’s challenges not as insurmountable giants but as stepping stones towards fulfilling the divine purpose set before us, guided by the unwavering light of His promises.

The Supreme Architect

The Lord’s assurance to David, “You have spoken also of your servant’s house for a great while to come,” is not merely a promise to one man but a universal principle of hope and future.⁷ It’s a testament to the enduring nature of God’s word and His intention for not just prosperity but also for instruction and enlightenment for all of humanity. This divine blueprint, spanning generations, serves as a reminder that our lives are not just about the present but are intricately linked to a commitment of purpose and promise.

The concept of God building our house serves as a powerful metaphor for the divine orchestration of our lives.⁸ Surrendering to God’s will is similar to handing over the blueprints of our future to the ultimate Architect. It’s an act of faith, acknowledging that the best path forward is the one He has laid out for us. In surrender, we find freedom—not from responsibility, but from the burden of control, allowing us to fully trust in His timing and plan.

Wherever He goes, we must follow.⁹ This encapsulates the essence of faith—a complete surrender to His divine will. It’s in this surrender that we find our true strength, as paradoxical as it might seem. Surrendering to God doesn’t signify weakness but rather the ultimate acknowledgment of His sovereignty and the trust in His omnipotence. God is indeed building our house, and in recognizing this, we find peace in the surrender, knowing that our foundation is being laid by the greatest architect.

The Mighty Hand of God

Believing our suffering will soon end brings a message of hope and rejuvenation. Our trials refine us, making us stronger, purer, and more in tune with our divine mission. This process, akin to a cycle of spiritual purification, prepares us to showcase God’s greatness in our lives. The promise of eternal glory in Christ shifts our focus from current hardships to the future’s immense rewards. It reassures us that our struggles serve a higher purpose. They pave the way for a future illuminated by God’s power and love. As we are restored, confirmed, strengthened, and settled, we see God’s meticulous work in us. It is a journey where each step forward brings us closer to realizing His promises. This understanding offers not just comfort but a roadmap to spiritual fulfillment, reminding us that every challenge is a step towards divine glory.

As we look to the future, it’s essential to set our gaze on the promises God has revealed to us. Lifting our eyes to the hills, beyond the present suffering, allowing us to catch a glimpse of the glory that awaits. It’s an act of faith, choosing to focus on God’s promises rather than the challenges of the present moment. The assurance that God is at work in our lives, molding, shaping, and guiding us towards His eternal glory, offers a profound sense of peace and purpose. The journey may be filled with challenges, but the promise of divine intervention and fulfillment remains steadfast. It is through our faith, surrender, and perseverance that the Mighty Hand of God is revealed. This is not just in our lives but as a beacon to the world. It is demonstrating the limitless power of divine grace and the fulfillment of His promises.

A Call to Faith-Filled Action

This reflection is not just an invitation to passive waiting but a call to faith-filled action. Following the Lord wherever He leads requires courage, humility, and a willingness to step out in faith, even when the path may seem uncertain. It’s about actively participating in His plan for our lives, guided by His Spirit and sustained by His grace.

As we contemplate our future, let us take solace in the fact that our steps are indeed ordered by the Lord. In surrender, faith, and hopeful anticipation, we move forward, trusting in the divine blueprint for our lives. The future holds untold stories of God’s faithfulness, and it’s in His hands that our true destiny unfolds. May we hold fast to the promise that our steps are ordered. That our future is secured by divine decree. And that our ultimate fulfillment lies in the complete surrender to the One who guides us through the shadows into His marvelous light.

The Lord orders the steps of the righteous: Psalm 37:23, “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way” (ESV). ↩︎
God’s word as a lamp: This imagery is found in Psalm 119:105, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (ESV). ↩︎
Lifting eyes to the hills for help: This phrase echoes Psalm 121:1-2, “I lift up my eyes to the hills. From where does my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth” (ESV) ↩︎
King David’s humble inquiry: The reference to David questioning his worthiness before God is found in 2 Samuel 7:18, where David goes before the Lord to express his gratitude and humility after receiving God’s promise about his dynasty. ↩︎
The Lord’s assurance to David about the future: God’s covenant with David promises a future for his descendants, found in 2 Samuel 7:16, “And your house and your kingdom shall be made sure forever before me. Your throne shall be established forever” (ESV). ↩︎
David’s humility towards God: Psalm 131. David declares that there is futility in attempting to understand God’s mercy in relation to his own sinfulness. ↩︎
God’s Promise to Bless the World Through Abraham: The Lord promises to bless all the nations through the loins of Abraham. Ultimately, this is fulfilled through David and unto and in and by Christ Jesus. (Genesis 12:1-3) ↩︎
God Builds our House: If we allow God to build our homes, and do not intervene, then the Lord will build beyond our greatest aspirations. (Psalm 127) ↩︎
Moses Declaration of Dependence: In Exodus 33, Moses makes the bold declaration of dependence on God. He understood the utter necessity for God. ↩︎