The Next Step

At some point in life, all of us find ourselves asking the question, “What do I do now?” It often comes in times of crisis or loss. It could be a divorce, the loss of a job, or, in my case, the death of a loved one. It’s a question rooted in the uncertainty of the future, which can lead to paralysis and fear.

When we are searching for that next step, it is critical that we turn to God’s word for instruction and encouragement. Consider the often-quoted words of Jeremiah:

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11, NIV).

The prophet wrote that in a letter to the Israelites after they had been carried into exile from Jerusalem to Babylon. Their lives had been completely uprooted, their families torn apart, and their dreams destroyed. Jeremiah’s words probably sounded hollow to those who judged their lives by their circumstances. But note the phrases “I know” and “I have.” That’s God speaking. Those who heard from God and believed what He said received this vision for their future.

Another quote familiar to many Christians comes from the ancient book of wisdom. “Where there is no vision, the people perish…” (Proverbs 29:18, KJV). The King James rendering strikes our ears along the lines of “you have to have an idea for the future or you will die.” But that’s not accurate. The New International Version puts it this way: “Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint; but blessed is the one who heeds wisdom’s instruction.” Young’s Literal Translation says that people lacking revelation are “made naked.” Other translations say they “run wild.” The point is that unless we hear from God, we have no direction or covering. Godly vision comes when He shows us His plans, not when we strive on our own.

The rest of that proverb demands that we obey what God reveals. Most translations render it “happy is he who keeps the law.” In the Old Testament, the Law was God’s revelation to His people. Under Christ, we have a new, more complete revelation. Acting on His words positions us to see His plans come to fruition as we fulfill His purpose.

At LIFE Outreach International, we are seeking God’s will for our future, knowing that it impacts the ongoing ministry and mission outreaches. We cannot rely on the past, just as Joshua could not rely solely on his leader’s revelations after Moses’ time on earth ended. In fact, the book of Joshua opens with God revealing clear direction for the Israelites. It was an extension of what He began with Moses, but it was not exactly the same for Joshua. Consistent with the wisdom of the proverb, God revealed His plans and stressed the necessity of obedience, saying “do not turn from it to the right or to the left, so that you may have success wherever you go” (Joshua 1:7b, NASB95).

This is the key for all of us, especially when life suddenly changes. We must hear from God, knowing that it will be consistent with scripture, and then we must act on it.

We believe that the ministry founded by my father will not only continue, but multiply. More children will be fed. More water wells will be drilled. More children will be rescued from sex trafficking. And more people will hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ and grow spiritually.

Given the changing nature of television, part of that vision is a new media outreach that originally began as an online magazine of sorts. Over 10 years ago, my father had a vision to create a platform that brings many voices together to effectively share God’s principles with the entire world. The Stream fulfilled that with written words for a decade. Late last year, he commissioned us to convert it into a video platform. Today, The Stream app is available in a wide range of smart TVs through Google’s Android TV technology, as well as Roku, AppleTV, Amazon Fire, and iOS and Android smart phones and tablets. You can find the app on those services, or go to www.stream.org and create a free account right now. (Search for “The Stream Christian TV” on your smart TV or app device.)

In addition to the LIFE Today program, over 40 providers have placed their content on The Stream app for you to enjoy. More are being added every week. We also have a LIVE TV tab where 24/7 stations and networks can be viewed. And just last week we added several classic sermons from those who have been part of our ministry through the years, including Jack Hayford, Mark Rutland, Jack Taylor, and, of course, my dad. We hope it will encourage you every day. We also ask you to tell others about it.

Thank you for your support and prayers as we navigate this time of transition. If you are facing a time of uncertainly, hold fast to God’s Word for your next steps. He is faithful.

Remember, the same God who revealed His vision for Joshua will speak to you today. “Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (Joshua 1:9, NASB95).

Randy Robison is a co-host of LIFE TODAY and manager of The Stream. To create a free Stream account, go to www.stream.org or download the app.