Turn on your cookies for the best browsing experience.

This site uses cookies to store information on your computer.

These cookies are essential to make our site work. We use cookies for a variety of reasons, including giving and content preferences.

Instructions to turn on your browser cookies:

https://www.whatismybrowser.com/guides/how-to-enable-cookies/auto

LocationsWatchAboutCareGive
Menu My Dashboard
Sign In

Sign in for a personalized experience.

    Resource Details

    A Faith for Facing an Uncertain Future

    Rick Warren | August 16, 2020

    If there’s any single truth that this pandemic has reminded us of, it’s this: None of us know the future. And when you don’t know your future, it can lead to a lot of stress and anxiety. In this message, Pastor Rick Warren continues our study through the Book of James by pointing to three common mistakes we make about the future, and the solution for each one.

    Message Action Plan

    Message Action Plan

    Three Essential Questions
    After watching the message take some time reflect on the following three questions.

    • What did you hear? What point in this message was most impactful for you?
    • What do you think? How did this message challenge, change, or affirm your thinking?
    • What will you do? How will you put into practice what you've learned today?

    "No one knows what will happen in the future and there is no one who can tell us." Eccl. 8:7
                                                     
    "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to a certain city and we will stay there a year. We will open up a business there and we will make a profit.' But you don't even know what will happen tomorrow! And your life is as brief and uncertain as the mist of a morning fog. It's here a little while, but then it disappears! So instead, what you ought to say is, 'IF it is the Lord's will, we will live long enough to do this or that.' Otherwise you are just boasting and bragging about yourself, and that kind of pride is wrong and evil. But remember, anytime you know the right and good thing to do, but you don't do it, then you sin."   James 4:13-17 

    3 MISTAKES WE MAKE ABOUT THE FUTURE
    AND THE SOLUTION FOR EACH ONE

    • WE MAKE PLANS WITHOUT ASKING GOD

     "Now listen, you who say, 'Today or tomorrow we will go to a certain
     city and we will stay there a year. We will open up a business there
     and we will make a profit.'" James 4:13

    • To have God's blessing, INVOLVE HIM IN MY PLANNING
    • KEY 1: PRAY AS I PLAN MY LIFE

     "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not depend on your own
     understanding. In all your plans acknowledge him, and he will direct
     your paths."  Prov. 3:5-6 

     "If you want to know what God wants you to do, just ask him, and he will
     gladly tell you, for he is always ready to give a generous supply of wisdom
     to all who ask him." James 1:5 (LB)

     David prayed: "I'll run the course you lay out for me if you'll just show me
     how."            Ps. 119:32 (Mes)

    ACTION PLAN:  Memorize Proverbs 3:5-6 this week.  Be able to recite it from your heart and mind as you follow the steps listed in the THIS WEEK section below for prayerful planning.

    • WE PRESUME THAT WE'LL HAVE TOMORROW

    "But you don't even know what will happen tomorrow! And your life is as
      brief and uncertain as the mist of a morning fog. It's here a little while, but
      then it disappears! So instead, what you ought to say is, 'IF it is the Lord's
      will, we will live to do this or that.' Otherwise you are just boasting and
      bragging about yourself, and that kind of pride is wrong and evil."   James 4:14-16

    • KEY 2:LIVE ONE DAY AT A TIME AND MAKE IT COUNT

     Jesus: "Don't worry about tomorrow because tomorrow will have its own
      worries. Each day has enough trouble of its own!"            Matt. 6:34 (LB)

     "Don't brashly brag about what you're going to do tomorrow because you
     don't know the first thing about tomorrow!"            Prov. 27:1 (Mes)

    ACTION PLAN:  What simple act of selfless love can you demonstrate today for a family member, neighbor, or co-worker? Take 5 minutes to think of some thoughtful ways to accomplish it. Reach out and meet that practical needs of someone today.   

    • WE PUT OFF DOING WHAT'S RIGHT AND GOOD

    "But remember, anytime you know the right and good thing to do,
      but you don't do it, then you sin."        James 4:17

    Homework Questions to Consider

    1.  What is the next step of spiritual growth and obedience I need to take?          

    • Complete our spiritual growth classes? (101, 201, 301, 401)

    Sunday is SUPER CLASS SUNDAY. Go online!

    • Be baptized next weekend?
    • Sign up for a place to serve? (Your ministry)

    2.  What do I know God wants me to do, but I'm still putting off?

    3.  What excuse have I been hiding behind?

    WHATEVER IT IS . . . DO IT NOW!

    "We can be sure we know ChristIF we obey his commands. The one who says, 'I know him,' but doesn't do what he commands is a liar."   1 John 2:3-4

    THIS WEEK: Take 30 minutes to prayerfully write down your plan for the rest of this year. Pray: Father, what do YOU want me to do during this time?
    (Personal Growth, Family, Services, Finances, etc.)

    "We should make plans – counting on God to direct us."  Prov. 16:9 (LB)

    Every Service Action Steps
    We recommit our lives to Jesus Christ. Text NEWSTART (1 word) to 83000 or email newstart@saddleback.com

    We express our gratitude to God for his goodness by giving back to him.
    Your generosity online is feeding tens of thousands of out-of-work families
    and serving many other needs. Give at Saddleback.com/give
     
    Listen to our podcasts "Doable Discipleship" and "The Well" from our Saddleback Growth team at Saddleback.com/learn

    More from this series

    More from this series

    A Faith That Works When Life Doesn’t
    March 15 - November 8, 2020
    • When Your Plan Doesn’t Match God’s Plan
      November 8, 2020
    • Having The Mind Of Christ During An Election
      November 1, 2020
    • A Faith That Can Heal Illnesses
      October 25, 2020
    • A Faith That Can Transform Weaknesses
      October 18, 2020
    • A Faith Known For Integrity
      October 11, 2020
    • A Faith That Helps Me See The Truth
      October 4, 2020
    • A Faith That Handles Wealth Wisely
      September 27, 2020
    • A Faith That Doesn’t Need To Hoard
      September 20, 2020
    • A Faith That Knows The End Of The Story
      September 13, 2020
    • A Faith That Passes The Tests Of Life
      September 6, 2020
    • A Faith That Doesn't Hold On To Hurt
      August 30, 2020
    • A Faith That Reduces Quarreling
      August 23, 2020
    • A Faith for Facing an Uncertain Future
      August 16, 2020
    • A Faith That Keeps Me From Playing God In The Lives Of Others
      August 9, 2020
    • A Faith That Keeps Me Hopeful
      August 2, 2020
    • A Faith That Makes Me More Merciful & Less Judgmental
      July 26, 2020
    • A Faith That Helps Me Filter What I Say
      July 19, 2020
    • A Faith That Handles Delays Patiently
      June 27, 2020
    • A Faith That De-Escalates Conflict
      June 21, 2020
    • A Faith That Plants Seeds Of Peace
      June 7, 2020
    • Real Faith Versus Fake Faith
      May 31, 2020
    • A Faith That Loves My Neighbor As Myself
      May 24, 2020
    • A Faith That Leads To Emotional Health: Part 2
      May 10, 2020
    • A Faith That Leads To Emotional Health: Part 1
      May 3, 2020
    • A Faith That Anchors Me In Storms
      April 19, 2020
    • A Faith That Counters My Bad Habits
      April 5, 2020
    • A Faith That Makes Tough Choices Easier
      March 29, 2020
    • A Faith That Isn’t Troubled by Troubles
      March 22, 2020
    • A Faith That Walks Through the Valley of Virus
      March 15, 2020
    My Dashboard
    LocationsWatchAboutCareGive

    Get Involved

    Adults

    • Newcomers Connection
    • Activate
    • Small Groups
    • Volunteer
    • Mission
    • Events

    For Your Family

    • Kids
    • Students
    • Parents

    Get Care

    • Prayer
    • Celebrate Recovery
    • Counseling
    • Support Groups

    Resources

    • Pursue Growth
    • Message Resources
    • Small Group Studies
    • Financial Tools
    • Podcasts
    • Apps

    More

    • Internships
    • Careers
    • Contact Us
    © 2024 Saddleback ChurchPrivacy Policy