Reflection: The Future is Now

As I look back at this first series, I recognize that I wrote quite heavily, not about the future, but our reactions to the future. Ironically, it seems this “Future Series” turned out to be more about the present. Then again, as I’ve rediscovered here at USC, life is constantly changing—and a healthy outlook on the present means a healthy outlook on the future.

I’ve realized something in my short college experience: the warnings of family, of Sunday school teachers, and of Christian mentors weren’t exaggerations. I’ve seen more than enough weekends, heard more than enough stories, and felt more than enough temptation here to know that college is a place of great trial. Never before have I sensed just how wide the path to destruction is. How glad I am to be grounded in Christ, to have been brought up in loving, edifying church families and a God-fearing home.

I have been blessed; others have not been so fortunate. But truthfully, the most difficult and disheartening part comes when someone who was strong… someone who was walking with God… someone you know personally… falls.

A friend of mine put it best:
It breaks your heart.

When it happens, you witness a defeat, a temporary win for the enemy. It’s demoralizing, depressing in the strictest sense of the word. We are part of Christ’s body, the light of the world. With every little light that winks out, Columbia grows a little darker. This world grows a little colder.

And yet, God’s power will not fail this community. Believers here have a task at hand, true, but through Him we will prevail. And through us, He will touch lives.


Aside to the USC students reading this: Those of you who aren’t plugged into a faith community, find one asap! Feel free to email me at gordnerg@email.sc.edu to find out more about the opportunities in the area. If I don’t know one that fits you personally, I promise that I know someone who does. All of us are struggling, but if you don’t find a support network of fellow believers, you’re making it even harder on yourself.

Connections: Worry and Fear

“Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life?” (Matt 6:27)

“We want a man hag-ridden by the Future—haunted by visions of an imminent heaven or hell upon earth.” ~ Letter XV, The Screwtape Letters by C.S. Lewis

“Worry is the warning light that God has been shoved to the sideline.”
~ The Purpose Driven Life by Rick Warren


I once read a list of life lessons written by a woman 100 years old. She said, “Whenever you worry about something, ask yourself: Is this going to matter in 6 months? 2 years?”

That’s solid advice, and it will save you a good deal of emotional energy if you live by it, but what about those things that will matter in 2 years? Career choices, finding your significant other, settling down, having kids, raising kids… Regardless of where you fall in that line-up, we all have milestones and long-term goals. Big ones. Ones to worry about, right?

Perhaps. Worry in small doses is merely caution—in greater quantities, it becomes fear. And that is a problem. As Christians, God calls us to live in hope, not fear. What do we have to fear? Perfect love casts out all fear. A perfect God casts out all fear.

Jesus said to his disciples, on the Sea of Galilee, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?” (Mark 4:40)

We all struggle with fear. As humans, we suffer from finite knowledge, finite control, and a finite lifespan—all worrisome qualities in their own right. But God knows this. He understands, and he encourages us again and again. “Fear not!” “Do not fear!” The Bible is filled with these reminders. Ironically, they appear most often when God or his angels show up to help!

As this “Future” series comes to a close, reflect on your goals, your views on the future, and your own fears. Maybe there’s an issue gnawing at your heart that you’ve never given thought, or a worry that keeps you up at night. Let it go! Trust in the Lord to guide you. Remember, “In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:6, KJV).

I leave you with another of my favorite verses:

“Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go.” (Joshua 1:9)