Future Grace

Currently, I am reading Future Grace by John Piper. It is helping tremendously.

I'm re-reading the chapter titled, "Faith in Future Grace vs. Impatience" because it struck a nerve- in a good way. The first few sentences captured my attention, convicted me, and offered hope.

"Impatience is a form of unbelief. It's what we begin to feel when we start to doubt the wisdom of God's timing or the goodness of God's guidance. It springs up in our hearts when our plan is interrupted or shattered."

Often, I've thought of this year as an "interruption" to what my plans and ideas were for my life. And now as I look ahead, next year can feel that way as well. (Please don't misunderstand: I AM SO excited about things for next year and what God is doing here!)

Recently, I've been reminding myself that my desires (deferred hopes) are not desires that I've made up. GOD CREATED them. To fulfill them. Maybe not in the timing I'd expect, or in the way I thought...but He is faithful. As we sang today, "Yesterday, today and forever You are the same, You never change." He is not a spiteful God. He loves to give good gifts to His children. He keeps His promises.

This journey of continued waiting is not a season. I will be waiting for the rest of my life! Until I die or the Savior returns. I hope to learn to wait in silence and with hope in His Word. Steadfast. Immovable. I want to wait with patience and trust; even when this cutie below grows like a weed on the other side of the pond!



I am excited about the learning that will take place over the coming weeks and months. Faith. In future grace. Grace that is to come. Grace that is guaranteed for whatever comes my way.

I remember reading somewhere that if:

Grace through Faith = Salvation
...then
Works through Unbelief = judgment.

Ouch.

Oh how God is revealing such lack of faith- such unbelief in my heart. And yet, I am thrilled...because with His Holy Spirit, it can only go one direction from here: growth. He knows I am dust. He is my help. He is the One who gives me the grace to have faith anyways. He is the Redeemer of my sinful soul.

LORD, help. Revive our hearts. Awaken our souls. Let us not grow weary or be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. Keep us, we pray. We love you.