The Photo Didn’t Show The Future

Who would’ve guessed our future back then? I was in my twenties when this photo was taken—standing beside my mom, my sister, and my brother. We were smiling, healthy, and probably full of plans and dreams. But none of us knew what was coming.

My mom, Cathy, was diagnosed with leukemia at 87. Her only symptom was being tired. She died at 88.

My sister Kay was the picture of health when she was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer in 2020. Thirty-one days later, she was gone. She thought it was just acid reflux.

My brother and I had years of division and distance. But thank God, we reunited. And me? I became a mess. I walked away from hearing from Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit. I made choices that destroyed my marriage. The fallout of that still echoes. So, who knows what our future holds? Only God. I’ve had prostate cancer, leukemia - and here I am.

Here’s another truth: “The Lord sees everything you do, and he watches where you go.” (Proverbs 5:21 NCV)

Only God knows the hidden things. The heartaches we don’t speak out loud. The dysfunction behind the smiles. The selfishness we try to justify.

Honestly, everyone is like this. The Bible says, “Everyone has sinned and fallen short of God’s glorious standard.” (Romans 3:23 NCV)

We all have our stuff. Our secrets. Our sins. And we all desperately need Jesus Christ to rescue our souls, and the Holy Spirit to guide us every single day.

“We may make our plans, but the Lord decides what will happen.” (Proverbs 16:9 NCV)

So what’s your future going to look like? You don’t know. I don’t know. Only God does. And that’s why we need Him every day. Not just when life falls apart. Not just when we’ve made such a mess that we’re “sufficiently disturbed” enough to cry out for change.

Sadly, that’s what it took for me. And I’ve learned that sufficient disturbance seems to inspire others to change. Finally, I got disturbed enough to turn around. I let myself drift way too far. But God was still patient. Still merciful. Still full of grace. We shouldn’t wait for the crash. We should be proactive in seeking Him.

“So be careful how you live. Do not live like those who are not wise, but live wisely.” (Ephesians 5:15 NCV)

And even when you feel like you’ve lost your way or wasted too many years, remember this: “The Lord is kind and merciful, patient and full of love.” (Psalm 145:8 NCV) His heart is not to punish but to restore. He waits for us to come back.

And if you're ever unsure whether you're worth restoring, hear this: “God’s mercy is new every morning.” (Lamentations 3:23 NCV)

You haven’t run out of grace. You’ve just got to turn toward it. Walk close to God, He knows your future.

Lord, help us walk closely with You. Help us lean on You, listen to Your voice, and follow the leading of the Holy Spirit. And when we drift off course, thank You for always welcoming us back.

In Jesus’ Name I pray, amen. ♥️