What Next?

Vanessa A. Anderson

Description

Dealing with life's uncertainties? What Next is a life-changing must read for you! God-given strategies for life stabilization and charting a course forward are provided.

Life doesn’t always provide a direct path. Learning to deal with unexpected challenges and moving forward after setbacks are imperative. What Next addresses the challenges that many of us have dealt with recently. We find solace in the knowledge that we do not have to face these challenges alone. God and His Word are the constant in the midst of unrest and change. Know that you have been given a vital role in the grand scheme of things and are a part of “the big picture.”



Encounter examples of how to deal with unanticipated crises and new roles and yet emerge the victor. Expect to obtain clearer personal vision as you learn to trust God while traversing the rough places in life. Know that God sees your potential and has provided you with the competence and the confidence to be successful.



Dealing with life’s uncertainties?

What Next is a life-changing must read for you!

Sujets

• Religion
• Christianisme
• Christian Living
• Inspirational
• Philosophie et théologie
• Word of God

Informations

• Publié par: WestBow Press
• Date de parution: 23 août 2022
• Nombre de lectures: 0
• EAN13: 9781664272217
• Langue: English

Extrait

WHAT NEXT?
God-given strategies for life stabilization
VANESSA A. ANDERSON


Copyright © 2022 Vanessa A. Anderson.
 
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.
 
This book is a work of non-fiction. Unless otherwise noted, the author and the publisher make no explicit guarantees as to the accuracy of the information contained in this book and in some cases, names of people and places have been altered to protect their privacy.
 
 
WestBow Press
A Division of Thomas Nelson & Zondervan
1663 Liberty Drive
Bloomington, IN 47403
www.westbowpress.com
844-714-3454
 
Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.
 
Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.
Certain stock imagery © Getty Images.
 
All scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
 
ISBN: 978-1-6642-7222-4 (sc)
ISBN: 978-1-6642-7223-1 (hc)
ISBN: 978-1-6642-7221-7 (e)
 
Library of Congress Control Number: 2022912815
 
 
 
WestBow Press rev. date: 08/19/2022
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Dedication
Introduction
 
1.Dealing with Uncertainty and Limbo
2.Guidance from God
3.The Importance of Vision
4.Trust God with Your Life
5.God Sees Your Potential
6.God Is Our Lookout
7.It’s Bigger Than You
8.Know That You Represent God
9.When Uncertain, Consult God
10.Don’t Take Your Assignment Lightly
11.We Are Ambassadors for Christ
12.How to Succeed in a New Position
 
References
DEDICATION
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord who has enabled me, because He counted
me faithful, putting me into the ministry.
1 Timothy 1:12
INTRODUCTION
While thinking about the current state of our world, I began to ask the Lord, “What next?” You may have had that question in your mind as well. Since March 2020, the normal state of affairs in our lives seems to have been turned somewhat upside down, and we have been riding a wave of limbo and uncertainty. In looking at those things, I began to reflect on changes that we have had to undergo during this pandemic.
We have had unprecedented times even before the pandemic. During the previous president’s tenure, we had the collusion crisis with Russia, the impeachment, and quid pro quo--all which reigned over the news incessantly for weeks. And then in March 2020, we were hit with the COVID-19 pandemic which caused changes in our workplaces. Everyone except for those essential workers who were out on the front lines were sent home. We had changes in our educational system. Kids were required to learn remotely as opposed to going to school every day. People began working from home who would not normally have worked from home. Sports as we had known them stopped, which was unheard of.
So many things changed that caused us to have what was called now “a new normal.” Things are not as they have been over my lifetime and probably your lifetime, as well. We recognize that church changed; we were unable to assemble in one place on a weekly basis, and we had to listen to the Word remotely instead. So all those things caused us to be riding this wave.
When does it stop? When does it change? What happens next? Lord, is this how it all ends? We know this is not the end. The Word of God has to be preached and everyone has to have been given that opportunity to receive Him as Lord and Savior. But again, some of us are in limbo. We may have been well-organized, and have had plans, and we may have felt that we knew which direction that we were going. Because of the things that have happened, an apparent monkey wrench was thrust into our plans.
We have had to readjust, recalculate, and maybe come up with a new plan, or we are still riding that wave of not knowing what comes next. Even the simple task of going shopping and picking up groceries changed. Masks became mandatory and are still being worn in some stores. All of those things have caused unrest in our lifestyles.
This state of limbo and uncertainty, this time of not knowing what comes next is not of God. We as Christians recognize that even in all this turmoil, God has given us a constant, and that constant is His Word. As we reflect on all these things, we acknowledge the need for direction and guidance. God provides those to us through His Word.
Chapter 1
DEALING WITH UNCERTAINTY AND LIMBO
W e are embarking on a journey to discover how to effectively face the unknown and deal with life’s uncertainties. In order to receive the maximum benefit from the insights provided, take a moment to review the introduction. It is not uncommon to skip the preliminaries and dive into the first chapter. I know this all too well because I, too, have been guilty of bypassing the front matter provided by the author. The introduction lays the groundwork for our journey and outlines the reasons for our trek. If you, on the other hand, have already read the introduction, you are ready to begin. Let’s get started.
Life, in general, has uncertainties—traffic on your commute to work, tomorrow’s weather conditions, tonight’s dinner menu, and the list goes on. These uncertainties, however, have become routine for most people and do not give rise to major consternation. Minor adjustments are made, and life goes on. No one, however, was prepared for or could have predicted an event that would bring life as we know it to a screeching halt on such a wide scale.
There have been earthquakes, tsunamis, tornadoes, hurricanes, and even wars that have caused mass destruction. When these events happen, those impacted are caught unawares; however, there is One who is never blindsided. God’s omniscient wisdom is available to bring stability in times of crises. As you evaluate your current state, allow God to speak to you through His Word.
In uncertain times, we must turn to God’s Word for answers, embracing the truths contained there. Our minds may be racing with questions: How can we deal with this uncertainty? How can we deal with this state of limbo? What do we do? Although the normal functions of life have changed, God’s mandates for our lives have not. Now, more than ever, we must examine our lifestyle, comparing our actions to that which the Word requires. Hebrews 13 provides pertinent instructions to redirect our focus from ourselves in order to meet the needs of others.
Crises can bring out the worst in people, or it can bring out the best. As you weather the storm, make a determination that it will be the latter. Hebrews 13:1-2 states, “Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” Even though we are in unprecedented times, we recognize that we cannot cease to walk in brotherly love, having concern for one another.
Reaching out to others enables you to view your own situation more clearly. Refuse to turn inward, having concern for no one apart from yourself. Proverbs 19:17 states, “He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given.” Having a heart for those who are less fortunate than we are should be a priority. Engaging in intercessory prayer for others must become habitual. It is not just about my four and no more. Showing concern for others is to have the heart of God.
As you continue to read Hebrews 13, the subject of marriage is addressed. I thought about those who have had to cancel or postpone weddings. Things that seemed to be practically etched in stone on our calendars have had to be moved because of the times that we are living in. Dates may change, but God still honors marriage. Be flexible and make adjustments as needed, trusting God to order your steps.
Hebrews 13:5 says, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have.” Neither greed nor personal gain should be our motivation. Philippians 4:11 requires us to be content with the things we have. For many, this Scripture has become reality with loss of jobs and an unstable economy. Nonetheless, we have experienced surplus and adjust in order to thrive despite lack. Psalm 37:25 reminds us that neither the righteous nor their descendants will be forsaken, resorting to soliciting alms.
Despite the current state of our world, God is still God. He is the constant in all this change. Hebrews 13:5 reminds us, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” He was with us prior to the major crisis in March 2020 and has been with us every month since then. Misgivings regarding the future and feelings of unrest may occur; however, remember that God is our constant! None of the recent events have found Him unprepared.
Hebrews 13:6 declares, “So we may boldly say, ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’” God is our helper! If we need guidance, direction, or knowledge of what comes next, consult God. There is no need to walk in fear. Allow the peace of God to envelop you. Do not allow the enemy to flood your mind with thoughts such as: Is this how it’s all going to end? My life will never be the same. My hope