Greater still – the best is yet to come

If in this life we hope only in ourselves, in the best that we can dream up, delve up or deliver, then we have reason to be dreadful and live on in despair. If our fate rests on the fullness of our faculty and fidelity then yes, we have reason to be frantic and fear the future. Mankind is a mess.

But Christians have cause for hope, a reason to look up and expect the good. Our surety of survival is in God, the eternally good and ever strong God. Our security for today and faith for the future is not based on nature’s mood, on man’s motive or my own mojo. We are hopeful because Our God Reigns! And his arm is not too short to save, his ear not too deaf to ear.[i] Our God is near, and He hears.

There is no place for hopelessness or defeatism in the heart and mind of a Christian. Like the elder said to despairing John imprisoned on Patmos, God is saying to the church today “WEEP NO MORE!”[ii] Christ has triumphed and is already unfolding His universal reign of peace!” Yes, Christ has come to reclaim God’s rightful reign and to redeem all of creation to Himself. God is up to something great!

Because of God’s generous, faithful character and expanding reign, I believe that the best is yet to come! Your tomorrow is better than today; expect to thrive and not only survive. You can be sure that God’s reign is always expanding, his grace is always abounding, his glory ever more visible. In God, your future is looking brighter still. The best is yet to come!

Your best life is yet to come. Ageing does not mean fading; your best years are still ahead. The psalmist recorded that “he who is planted in the house of the Lord will bear fruit in old age, he will be fresh and flourishing to declare that God is righteous!”[iii] Our Lord Jesus always keeps the best wine for the last, and makes the latter glory outshine the former.[iv]

Is your life miserable now? Then smile – in Christ, you can always expect better! No matter what this life throws at you, God makes ALL THINGS work together for your good.[v] That is your confidence of a good tomorrow!

Regardless where you are at in life, look up! God’s plans are for better welfare, a better hope, a better future.[vi] He has more and better plans prepared for you to walk in.[vii] He had already written your book, prepared all your days[viii] – your life story is not over yet, but we know it ends in glory! Come on, God is leading you upward, onward. Can you recall some of the surprises he has showered over your path in the past? Prepare your heart for more – your next leg is already littered with love. The best is yet to come!

The best you is yet to come. When you look at the mirror, do you like what you see? Do you love whom you’ve become? Cheer up – the best version of you is still being formed. God has started weaving you in your mother’s womb,[ix] but He is not done with you yet! You’re still “under construction” because God is ALWAYS at work in you shaping your character, growing your competence.[x] The resurrection Spirit is EVEN NOW giving life to your body,[xi] transforming you for gory to glory – just keep your eyes fixed on Him![xii] He is the not done with you yet – what He has started he will complete in you;[xiii] he is the Author and Perfecter of your faith. Christ, your hope of glory, is alive and at work in you.[xiv] The best is yet to come!

Your best victory is yet to come. God always leads us on in victory, from glory to glory until we win our last fight in Christ by overcoming death.[xv] I wrote previously that every scar is a reminder of a victory we have won in Christ, of our faith that has been tested, purified and approved. “What does not kill you makes you stronger” is true for every Christian. In all things we are more than overcomers in Christ![xvi]

You are stronger than you were before. David first conquered the lion, then the bear, then Goliath, and later the Philistine armies. Likewise, God is leading us through progressive victories. Do not fear these future fights – in God’s providential wisdom you will not be tested beyond what you can bear.[xvii] And for everything you face, His grace is sufficient and His strength is perfected.[xviii] Heads up! Your greatest victory is yet to come!

Another year is over. Another year of God’s faithful love and preserving grace. Another chapter in your book declaring “Thus far the Lord has brought us”.[xix] But the story is not done yet: there are grander adventures to live through, more glorious victories to be won, greater love to enjoy. The path of your purpose is prepared with plentiful provisions and pleasures. Look up! Be strong! Take courage! Nothing you will face tomorrow is impossible for God. You are growing from glory to glory. His mercies are new for every day, his grace sufficient for every challenge. With God, the best is yet to come. God is up to something great.

[i] Isaiah 57:1.

[ii] Revelation 5:4.

[iii] Psalm 92:13-15.

[iv] John 2:10.

[v] Romans 8:28.

[vi] Jeremiah 29:11.

[vii] Ephesians 2:13.

[viii] Psalm 139:16.

[ix] Psalm 139:13.

[x] Philippians 2:13.

[xi] Romans 8:11.

[xii] 2 Coronthians 3:18.