Blessed Are the Cracked, for They Shall See the Light

Most times our future is determined by decisions we make today. We plan today for a better tomorrow. Whether an investment, excelling in our career, governing a country or a mother and father investing time and money into their children, what we do today often determines our and their future either positively or negatively. Even the person who does nothing in the present is creating a future.

Here is an example of a person aware of this reality. A church secretary takes a call. The caller says, “Is the head hog at the trough there?” The secretary answers; “Please Sir, do not refer to our pastor as the head hog at the trough. That is very insulting.” “Oh, I’m very sorry. I meant nothing by that. It’s just a local phrase we use in the part of the country I come from. The real reason I called was to donate $50,000 to your building fund.” The secretary says; “Hold on, I see the ‘Big Oinker’ coming through the door right now.” That secretary is creating a future!

Some have given up on their dreams because of decisions made by them or others in yesterday’s ‘present.’ The future has now turned into their present and the present is not good. But, it is the present. That means we have another opportunity to start making good decisions today so that we can have better tomorrow. After all, it is only fair that if yesterday’s decisions caused today’s problems, then today’s decisions can create tomorrow’s recovery or blessings. We get another opportunity if we can get past the past. Don’t look back. You’re not going that way. That’s the key. That’s the way God made things.

Sometimes we lose hope like these people. “I’m not a complete idiot – some parts are just missing.” “I used to have a handle on life, but it broke.” But I have good news for you, being ‘over the hill’ is much better than being under it! Think of it, so far you have survived 100% of your bad days. Even Moses started out as a basket case.

Here’s an old quote by Nigerian educator Babatunde Olatunji? “Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. And today? Today is a gift. That is why we call it, the present.” When does a better tomorrow begin? Today, of course! How does it begin? It begins with expectancy! Here are three aspects of expectancy from my friend, Pastor Alan Platt of Pretoria, South Africa.

Firstly, God meets us at the level of our expectancy of Him. Jesus asked the blind man, “What do you want me to do for you?” Jesus wanted to hear where this man’s expectancy was. The man told Him he wanted to see again. Jesus met him at his level of expectancy. Expectancy moves our mental and emotional stop light from red to green.

Secondly, expectancy is a result of hearing God’s voice, not just good circumstances, providence, or positive thinking. If we have a wrong picture of life and God, it lowers our expectancy. At a dark time in Abraham’s life, God offered him two choices. He could stay in Babylon where he would be a father and grandfather, then disappear into history. Or he could hear God’s voice, get new direction for his future and become the patriarch of a multitude and a new nation. It was Abraham’s choice but God’s power that caused a recovery for Abraham. The past became his past and not his future because of that choice.

Lastly, expectancy creates an environment for provision and the miraculous to happen. Expectancy in the present can create contentment in the future. This truth includes your life after this life. Your decision today to receive Jesus as Lord creates a much better future. But please decide on this side of the hill. Start today for a better tomorrow on earth and in heaven.

By the way, if you think you’ve blown God’s plan for your life, God has news for you, you’re not that powerful. Spending today complaining about yesterday, won’t make tomorrow any better.

Ed Delph,  October 29, 2018 CCC