Knowing That Greater Is Ahead

I don’t know who holds tomorrow, but I know who holds my hand.

It’s the line in a song that offers comfort of one unchangeable in an ever changing world. It’s a great word to hold onto and it has brought some people a great deal of joy. Today it’s reminded of something seemingly completely unrelated.

I used to obsessively play a computer simulation game called Football Manager. As it suggests I took on the role of a manager of a football club (or soccer for those who need the translation from common sense). In a bid to make it fairly realistic there are reactions to results from fans, media, players and the board of the club.

To offer a challenge I would often look to take a lower club and lead them to higher leagues. Expectations were set and responses would be based on how well I was meeting those goals. On occasion, the results were not going well. Morale in the squad would plummet, fans would express their displeasure and the media would exacerbate that with stories of disgruntlement in the upper parts of the club. One report after another would suggest my time at the club was coming to an end. It would be hard going from one poor performance to another. Eventually the board’s patience would run out and after one bad result too many, the board in their wisdom would relieve me of my duties.

It would be disappointing to suffer such a set back, my confidence would be dented. I’d second guess my abilities. (Remember this is just a game!) Maybe I wasn’t good enough after all.

Before too long, I’d pick myself up and go again with another club. Learning the lessons from previously, I’d take my time, exceed realistic expectations and begin making progress at the club, soon winning trophies and acclaim. It didn’t erase the memories of the past, but it showed that in adversity, greater was ahead.

No failing makes me a failure. What gives me hope when apparent set backs occur is the truth that greater is ahead. In the walk with Christ, that greater ahead isn’t computer generated novelties. The greater ahead is knowing through it all, as I cooperate with Him I am being shaped in His image – that of God’s Son. The life in me is intent on completing the work of forming Christ in me. The process doesn’t end until He is revealed – so as long as there’s breathe, greater is ahead.

I heard a great saying that I know more than I did yesterday, but not as much as I’ll know tomorrow. It’s a great approach to continue to grow and know in Christ it’s progressive even when it doesn’t appear that way.

It’s a word of hope, stimulation and motivation knowing greater is ahead.

For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden