The One Reason We Can Face an Overwhelming Future Without Being Overcome #AdventReflections

My friend and I struggle with looking too far into our daughters’ futures. It can be frightening and overwhelming.

She because her sweet Taylor has been given a shortened expected lifespan. (This post is now in memory of Taylor, who went to be with the Lord January 2, 2019.) Me because my sweet Rachel may well live a half century or more but will need care her entire life.

Both of us are facing overwhelming futures in their own right; yet, neither of us have given into despair. My friend and I are not overcome … not because we are stronger than others … not because we have greater faith.

We can stand in the face of such uncertain futures for one simple reason: we know Jesus Christ will be in each moment leading up to those paralyzing futures. And He’ll be in those future moments too, and the ones after that.

We can stand in the face of uncertain futures when we remember Jesus Christ will be in each moment leading up to, through, and beyond them. Share on X

The Lord promises, “my grace is sufficient for you,” (2 Corinthians 12:9). And He is faithful.

Advent Grace

I can’t see the grace for that moment in time when I’m no longer Rachel’s primary caregiver. I won’t experience it until then. 

Yet this season of Advent assures me grace will meet me there, because Jesus will. “’The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’)” (Matthew 1:23).

Jesus came as a babe to provide a way through the sin that stalks us: Immanuel, God with us.

Jesus died and rose again to life to restore us to righteousness, to reunite us with the Father, to give us hope again. He continues to be with us in our scary and glorious moments alike.

Jesus is coming again. God With Us will be with us into the everlasting future. He’ll erase all our sorrows. He’ll reunite believers. Death will be no more. 

He’ll usher in a glorious future we’ll never be afraid to look into.

God With Us will be with us into the everlasting future: a glorious future we'll never be afraid to look into. Share on X

Overwhelming Future Met With God’s Grace

Jesus’ Advent in the past, present, and future prevent us from being overcome by our situations. Because He came to earth, is present with us, and will come again, we can look into the unknown knowing we’ll be met. 

Overwhelm may still make an appearance, but the Advent of Christ promises we’ll never be overcome!

Overwhelm may make an appearance in our lives, but the Advent of Christ promises we'll never be overcome! Share on X

Grace meets us in God’s Word, presents itself in worship, and pours out in the ministering of others.

Exactly Enough Grace

Because of Jesus’ coming, in whatever uncertain futures we face, grace will be exactly enough, exactly when needed. Darkness will threaten, but light prevails.

Because of Jesus' coming, in whatever uncertain futures we face, grace will be exactly enough, exactly when needed. Share on X

How comforting for me, Taylor’s mom, and all who live in Him! 

“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.“ John 1:4-5

Reflections: How does the season of Advent bring you comfort in your uncertain and overwhelming situations? 

I am always thrilled to link up with Suzie Eller for #livefreeThursday and this week’s prompt, “overwhelmed, but I’m not overcome.” Click on the image to check out the wonderful encouragement.