4 Actions Regarding an Uncertain Future

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A stock broker had a beautiful picture above his credenza behind his desk. It depicted the various stock markets since their inception with a different color line for each index. The lines stopped in the year 1988. I said, “Wouldn’t it be nice if you had a chart that showed where those markets would go in the future?”

“It sure would,” said the broker. “It would make my job easier and my clients richer.”

In light of an uncertain future, here are four common sense principles to making wise decisions.

  1. Don’t put all your funds in one place; diversify your investments.

The colloquialism says it best: “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” That is not only ageless wisdom but biblical teaching. The wise investors spread out their investments.

2. Don’t wait for perfect conditions; be diligent in your labor.

Too many people sit around waiting for “all their ducks in a row” or for “the stars to align” before they move ahead with a project or an idea. For the most part the conditions will never be idyllic. Instead, we need to forge ahead, keep on keeping on, stay at the task. After all,

God controls these conditions, and we cannot tell whether good or bad conditions will materialize.

3. Don’t try to understand God’s ways; be dependent on Him.

Trying to understand God’s ways is like trying to comprehend, how babies are formed in a mother’s womb. It’s a miracle that’s beyond our scope of expertise and intelligence. Yet we continue to have children. We cannot understand God’s ways and how He fulfills His plan. Instead, we trust Him, depending on His sovereignty and grace.

What we cannot see, we rely on God to go before us and show us the way. We will never understand the mystery in all God does. We will never understand His activity. Our part is not to try to figure it out. Our part is to trust.

4. Don’t attempt to predict the future; be decisive in your actions.

Go to work, stay at it from daylight to evening. We never know how our work will turn out. We don’t know if our profit will come from one activity or another or both. Since the future is in God’s hands, the wise person proceeds with his work diligently, hoping his efforts will yield fruit, as they usually do. Despite not knowing what is going to happen in the future, one cannot remain inactive. Paralysis of analysis has prevented many people from taking the necessary risks.

Solomon wrote: “A fool’s way is right in his own eyes, but whoever listens to counsel is wise” (Prov. 12:15). When these principles are put into practice we can make wise decisions in spite of an uncertain future.

 

My book, Sightings of the Savior: Meeting Jesus When We Need Him Most, opens your eyes to see Jesus today. Retelling Bible stories of men and women who were met by Jesus uniquely and powerfully, this books shows how only the Savior can meet your needs, heal your hurts, and give you hope. Click here to claim your copy.

 

About Rick Ezell

I am a husband, father, pastor, and writer. This blog is about shaping character, transforming church, and impacting culture. I believe that if one defines their moments then their moments will determine their character and their character will influence their world. I write on personal development, church leadership, and our changing culture. I also write about the resources I am developing and the books I am writing. My goal is to create challenging, relevant, and inspiring content that will help you be a better person, the church be a better parish, and the world a better place. If you are interested in those things, this blog is for you. I have served the church my entire career as a student minister and senior pastor. I studied at Samford University, Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, and Northern Baptist Theological Seminary (eventually I will get it). I have written eight books. My most recent ones are Chapter 13: The Excellence of Love and Soul Therapy: The Healing Words of Psalm 23. Both are available as eBooks. I have written over 1000 articles for various local, regional, and national publications. I have been married to Cindy for thirty-three years. We have one wonderful daughter. We live in Greenville, SC. In my free time, I enjoy writing, reading, running, tennis, and golf. You can contact me via email or follow me on Twitter or Facebook. This is my personal blog. The opinions I express here do not necessarily represent those of my employer. The information I provide is on an as-is basis. I make no representations as to accuracy, completeness, correctness, suitability, or validity of any information on this blog and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its use.
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