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Viewpoint from Rev Chris Tinker 29/04/2016 

Rev Chris Tinker
Rector, St Nicholas' Church, Bradwell

Confidence in the future

There is often a lot of talk about what the future might hold, not least of all with regard to the EU Referendum. I came across an article recently that pointed out that whatever people feel inclined to vote, the main thing that they want to know is what the future will hold with such a decision. Of course the problem is that no-one knows for sure what will happen
 
It’s not just with big political decisions that we wish we knew what the future holds, there are many times in life where we wish we knew. Whilst the Bible offers no specific information of what will happen in the future with regard to the EU Referendum, or daily issues in our lives, it does point to someone who does know the details
 
In fact, in the Bible we discover that not only does God know what the future holds; he holds the future in his hands. And though God doesn’t show us what the future holds, he does invite us to trust him for the future
 
Romans 8:28 is a great re­assurance to those who put their trust in him, Paul says, “we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose”.  We may not know what is ahead, but God promises that whatever comes our way, if we put our lives in his hands, he will work those things for our good. That doesn’t mean that everything will always be ‘nice’, but whereas the politicians are unable to offer anything but vague predictions, and even if they do want what is best for us, they cannot guarantee it, the Bible introduces us to a God who offers certainty
 
If you are in any doubt as to whether God does know what is for our greatest good, then why not read one of the gospels, perhaps Mark’s gospel? There we see God on earth at work. Jesus’ care for those he met was second to none, so tender, kind and powerful, and his ultimate reason for coming to earth, to die on the cross, was the ultimate act of ultimate good for those who put their trust in him, bringing forgiveness, the sure and certain hope of heaven, and a life know knowing God

also published in the Great Yarmouth Mercury