One Page at a Time
Scripture Reading — Matthew 6:25-34
Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
—Matthew 6:34
Sometimes I find myself wanting to peek ahead to find out how a book or movie is going to turn out. I may look again at the back cover of a book or check out a movie on the Internet to find out more. Sometimes it feels better if I know what’s coming next.
I often want that in my own life story as well. When I face uncertainty or risk in my life, I want to look ahead to see what kinds of problems will develop. I figure I’ll enjoy today more if I know that tomorrow won’t be marred by a fresh wave of problems.
But God doesn’t usually offer sneak peeks into the future. Instead he urges us to simply trust him. In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus repeatedly encourages us to trust God for each day at a time. “Give us today our daily bread,” he taught us to pray (Matthew 6:11). In our reading for today he urges, “Do not worry about tomorrow.” And he assures us that “each day has enough trouble of its own.”
Today you will turn one more page in God’s story for your life. That page will provide opportunities for you to develop the gifts God has given you. That page may also contain difficulties that will prompt you to cling to God. And through the day’s experiences you will have the chance to notice the presence of Christ, if you’re looking.
God, forgive us when we rush you. Help us to trust you instead each day, and to see your work in and around us always. Amen.
About the author — Ron Vanderwell
Ron Vanderwell recently became the senior pastor of New Life Church in New Lenox, Illinois. He has been a pastor for 22 years, serving as a church planter for the previous 12 years at The Gathering in Sacramento, California, and before that as a pastor in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Ron and his wife, Deb, have three sons: John, Adam, and Jake.
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