Life comes on us so quick. One minute the world is moving along just as it “should.” And the next we are in the darkest valley of our lives. The kind of valley that marks us and eventually defines us. It’s when those types of chains bind that we become desperate for hope. It’s in those heavy seasons when we crave a glimmer of light.
I’ve been steeped in Philippians for months now. From memorizing to teaching, Paul’s words have become somewhat of a home for me. And if I had to choose one thing to take away from the text — one thing that I hope sticks with me for the long haul — it would be Paul’s steadfast faith, in spite of his physical chains.
The man passionately believed God. He took him at his word and stood there regardless of what his eyes saw. He rejoiced in who God is and the things God promises. His eyes stayed set on God’s “future grace.”
That phrase future grace comes from a book I’m currently reading by John Piper. In it he talks about how counting God’s past faithfulness and past grace is good and right. It’s even commanded.
But what propels us forward and takes away anxiety over tomorrow’s unknown is our faith in God’s future grace. When we believe that he will indeed be gracious tomorrow or even later this afternoon — come what may — peace then washes over us.
Paul got that. He grasped that his God would indeed be grace even when the call was to suffer. Therefore he suffered with unwavering rejoicing in his Lord, for his Lord was sufficient. Our Lord is that good.
“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” ~the apostle Paul, 1:21
I want that to stick with me. I want that to affect me. When chains bind or I’m tempted to question tomorrow’s path, I want to remember that my God will indeed be grace. He promised…so he is bound.
Fill me, Lord…
How does believing God for his *future* grace calm the anxious heart?
I’m linking up with Katie over at Do Not Depart today. Remember? She is the one I’m writing the eBook with. Yay. Many of us have been digging our way through Philippians. Click here to check out what others are saying.
“Future grace”, I’ve never heard it put that way before. And you are so right that it is in trusting that God will continue to be faithful in the time to come that we find peace. Thank you for sharing this today! I needed this reminder to trust God to provide me with all the strength I need, not just in this moment, but in the whole day yet to come.
Marleah, I hadn’t heard it put that way either until I started reading this book. I like it though. It definitely brings about His peace when we rest in the promise of His tomorrow grace. “My grace is sufficient…” Blessings, friend.
This reminds me of one of the reasons I keep a journal of God’s faithfulness.
On those days I feel anxiety building up in me, I can read over my journal entries and remind myself that if He was faithful to me yesterday, last week, even last year, I can count on His faithfulness (future grace!) today and tomorrow and beyond. 🙂
Absolutely. I totally agree. In looking over His past grace, we can be encouraged to believe Him for His future grace. Thanks for sharing, Amy. 🙂
future grace! love that …
this post blesses me today …
Oh, yes. “Steadfast” is a perfect way to describe Paul and his faith. Always a good example. Beautiful, inspiring post, Lara. Thank you.