Posts Tagged ‘economy’

What Future Awaits You?

Monday, August 22nd, 2011

We’re living in uncertain times. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to recognize this. One only has to listen to the news: Stories about Libya, Syria, and other warring nations dominate the airwaves. Gas prices soar. The economy plunges. And terrorists continue to terrorize.

I can scarcely believe how life has changed since my childhood, when walking to school or to town alone raised no concerns whatsoever about our personal safety. When locking our doors at night was considered a sign of paranoia. When gas cost thirty cents per gallon. Shucks—we could buy a bag of potato chips and a bottle of soda pop for a quarter. If we returned the empty bottle, the store clerk would hand us a nickel. We felt like we’d died and gone to heaven!

I watch my three grandchildren grow up and wonder what the world will look like when they’re my age…if it lasts that long. What freedoms will be theirs to embrace? What will the moral landscape look like? What financial challenges will they face?

What does the future hold?

No one knows what the future holds, but of one thing I’m sure: God holds the future. No matter how bleak our tomorrows appear, we need not be anxious or afraid when we’re walking in right relationship with Him.

That’s true for believers in the context of global concerns, but it’s also true on a personal basis. Psalm 37:37 brings encouragement in that regard: “Look at those who are honest and good, for a wonderful future awaits those who love peace.”

Note that this verse doesn’t guarantee a trouble-free future. Rather, it promises a wonderful future. Big difference. The former suggests a life free from problems of any sort. The latter suggests a life of depth and richness even in the midst of problems.

What does my future hold? I can speculate and I can hope, but I can guarantee no specifics other than it’s wonderful. How about you? What does your future look like?

Photo courtesy: http://www.dreamstime.com/free-stock-photography-attractive-young-businesswoman-rimagefree2235055-resi3440358

Tags: , , , , ,
Posted in Devotionals | 2 Comments »

Journal Entry for July 7

Wednesday, July 8th, 2009

Our chapel time this morning consisted of several kids’ testimonies. One spoke of how she witnessed God answer prayer after the car in which she was traveling broke down and no one would stop to help her. She and the others in the car prayed for God to fix the problem and He did. To her, that was a huge sign of God’s power and presence in her life.

Another spoke of the difficulties she’d faced since being diagnosed with HIV – especially the lack of proper medical care. One talked about his dad dying, and about nearly losing his mom. He said that he and his brothers prayed that God would not let her die, and He answered. Years later, she’s still alive.

Then the gal who committed her life to Christ last night spoke. With tears in her eyes, she addressed our team and said, “Thank you for coming. You came from so far away just to spend time with us. You have loved us and treated us like normal people. You’ll never know how much this camp has meant to us.”

How does one respond to that, except to thank God for providing the means and the opportunity to serve in this way? We wish the need for this ministry didn’t exist, but so long as it does, we pray that God will raise up the volunteers and especially career staff to build it and bless it.

Andy and Claudia drove the kids back to the day center – about 2 ½ hours’ drive one way on a very windy mountain road. At one point, they had to pull off to the side because everyone had to get out and throw up due to travel sickness. Poor kids! Poor Andy and Claudia!

They returned to pick up the team around 6:00 pm, and then it was our turn to travel on the windy road. No vomiting, but a few queasy stomachs. At one point after darkness fell, we drove through a fairly large town and I noticed that there were few lights on in the apartment blocks and houses. Tony explained that this area used to have a booming economy based on mining. Now the mines are closed and nearly everyone is unemployed and can’t afford to pay for electricity. Hence, the dark windows. Sad, sad, sad. Again, we in North America have much to be thankful for.

Tags: , , ,
Posted in Travels | No Comments »