Back to the Future - Kerry Shook

We are all fascinated by stories and movies where characters travel through time into the future, hoping to return with knowledge to improve their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Although entertaining, these stories are merely fictional. There is one book though, the Bible, where we know all the great truths and knowledge about our future!

“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the LORD. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.” Jeremiah 29:11 (NLT)

Leaders with the gift of strategic thinking keep everyone focused on what could be.  They are constantly absorbing and analyzing information in order to help their teams make better decisions.  Leaders with these strengths continually stretch people around them to think with the future in mind.

Jesus’ strategic vision for the future was one that was grounded in faith, hope, and optimism.  In fact, Jesus-centric optimism points a powerful beam of light into the darker corners of our lives, revealing possibilities that are hiding in the shadows. He trained the disciples to develop deep strengths for managing uncertainty, opportunity, adversity, and change.

“Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in Me. There is more than enough room in My Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with Me where I am.” John 14:1-3 (NLT)

One of my favorite bumper stickers of all time says, “No Sense Being Pessimistic. Wouldn’t Work Anyway.”  In essence, it just reinforces that there is only one way, and that’s God’s way!

I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among His people! He will live with them, and they will be His people. God Himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” Revelation 21:3-4 (NLT)