Past

Looking back, the thought that comes to mind is LIFE IS SHORT.

The Bible repeatedly reminds us of life’s brevity: it’s like a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes; like a passing shadow; like grass and flowers that wither and fade.

Future

Looking ahead, the thought is LIFE IS UNCERTAIN.

The adjective “unexpected” is written large over the future. “You do not know what will happen tomorrow” (James 4:14).

Present

Three words that accurately describe the present are LIFE IS CHALLENGING.

Some will read those three words and groan, “You can say that again! It’s just one thing after another!” Others will delight in a present packed with challenging possibilities and exciting opportunities.

Barnett concluded: “Past and Future are good places to visit, but neither is a good place to live.” *

Consider the difference that Jesus makes in our past, present, and future:

Jesus offers FORGIVENESS for the past.  He died for our sins so that we can be forgiven (Ephesians 1:7).  Therefore, because of Jesus, we don’t have to continue to carry the burden of guilt.  We need to learn from the past, but we don’t have to live in it.

Jesus gives PURPOSE for the present.  Jesus “died for all, that those who live should live no longer for themselves, but for Him who died for them and rose again” (2 Corinthians 5:15).  To focus on self brings disappointment and destruction; to live for Jesus brings the abundant life now and eternal life to come (John 10:10).

Jesus provides HOPE for the future.  Gilbert Beenken has well stated, “Other men see only a hopeless end, but the Christian rejoices in an endless hope.”   In Jesus we have a living hope because He is a living Savior (1 Peter 1:3-4).

God can and will effect change in a person’s past, present, and future when one places his/her faith in Jesus (Acts 16:30-31), turns from sin in repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confesses Jesus before men (Romans 10:9-10), and is baptized (immersed) into Christ for the forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38).  The blood that Jesus shed for the forgiveness of our sins continues to cleanse us as we walk in the light of His Word (1 John 1:7-9).

Jesus makes all the difference in our past, our present, and our future.  Trust Him by entrusting your life to Him.

-- David A. Sargent