Ecclesiastes 7—9, 2 Corinthians 13 • Key Verse: Ecclesiastes 9:12
Sophisticated forecasting devices warn us when storms move into our area. Efforts are
continually made to improve the equipment and techniques so we can receive even more
accurate information.
Long gone are the days of looking at the sky and saying, “Looks like rain.” Now it is done by
Doppler radar and satellite images beamed from high above the earth. We like to be forewarned,
especially of impending disasters. Yet in spite of all the technological advances, we still
sometimes get caught unawares. We just don’t know what the future holds.
In his wisdom, Solomon says that we are we are like fish, unaware of the net that is in the water
until we hit it, or like birds, not realizing that a snare has been set for our capture (9:12).
Unexpectedly, we are caught by what was unpredictable. This happens, he says, so be prepared.
God does not give us a pass to avoid all difficulties. Nor does He give us advance warning of
every challenge that lies ahead. He does let us know that in this life we will have problems. That
does not sound like much encouragement until you remember that whatever comes, He will be
with us. God does not keep us from all difficulties, but He does stay with us and sees us through
them.
Face the future with realistic confidence. Whatever comes, God will be with you. Ask Him to
help you brace yourself for the days ahead and for Him to help you get through the unexpected
things that lie ahead.
Woodrow Kroll & Tony Beckett
www.backtothebible.in