Friday, March 22, 2019

The Now and The Not Yet


When I see this picture, it makes me think of these words: now and not yet. It shows me that there is something up close that I can see right in front of me and those are the tasks God has given me to do daily in this life He has called me to.

It also shows me there is something else ahead - in our hearts, this is where we will be with Him forever in Heaven if we have received His free gift of salvation. Spring also evokes this call to new life and thinking of the spiritual parallels are a beautiful way to grow in faith and understanding.


In the now we have earthly beauty limited by time, space and human-ness. We see glimpses and reflections of this future hope we have but we don't see it fully and can't until we arrive in our heavenly home.

To know that we are traveling this earth temporarily is a comfort when things are crazy and make no sense. God will make sense of it all some day regardless of if we understand the here and now - we will understand the forever after and that is all that matters isn't it?


Every time we experience beauty and blessing, it is a glimpse of the things He has in store for us in the not yet. We see dimly but not fully as 1 Corinthians 13:12 reminds us:

"For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known."

This should encourage us when life can be discouraging. Hearing the news, seeing the signs of earthly life and struggles can dishearten but the next thought I have is Jesus saying to my mind:

John 16:33 -

"I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.”

This is an example of the now and the not yet.


Generously, God has given us His peace and His presence in the now and hope for it even more fully in the not yet. We have opportunities in the now that will impact the not yet - who will we share our faith with, how will we display who God is to a confused and hurting world around us.

We will not convince them with force or shame, but with love and beauty and peace. With a quiet spirit that lives confidently in His future hope we may have the opportunity to share that hope with those around us.


What does my life say about the now and the not yet? What do I want it to say? Where do I need God to speak into my heart on this?

Enjoying: Golden hour at the Silos - a gift of now and hope for golden hour 24/7 in the not yet!

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