Everyone ought to examine themselves before they eat of the bread and drink from the cup.
- 1 Corinthians 11:28

God has created us to be people who come from the past, live in the present, and steadily move toward the future. Wise self-examination will include a humble glance forward to the future.

In his letter to the Corinthians, Paul assumes that their work of self-examination will help to protect them from dangers that loom on their horizon. He urges them to slow down long enough to ensure that they stay on the course Christ has mapped out for them.

Knowing where you’ve come from and where you’re currently at can help you get where you’re going. So, where are you going?

Today, we’re going to take a few minutes to invite the Lord into our plans for the future. We hold them so tentatively, knowing that the future is ultimately in God’s hands. Yet we also are moving into the future at a hair-raising speed. Tomorrow will be Yesterday before we know it.

Start this reflection exercise by communicating your love and trust for God. Try praying out loud, telling God you trust him and depend on him and need him and would like for him to be involved in the creation of your future.

Then, ask yourself …

• What major events are on the horizon for the rest of the year?
• What challenges do you anticipate?
• What opportunities do you anticipate?
• How would you like to grow in the next year?