When Wendy and I were beginning our family, we spent long hours talking about what kind of world our children would encounter. While we still wonder, we’re confident in this: The future is safely in God’s hands. We can trust Him, no matter what happens.

Historical perspective is an important backdrop to trusting God. The Bible describes history as having a beginning and an end. It is linear, not circular, as some religions contend, and is defined by three major markers:

• Creation. The Bible’s opening phrase is, “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). Jesus was present: “He was in the beginning with God” (John 1:2).
• Redemption and Restoration. The birth, death and resurrection of Jesus fulfilled God’s plan for our restored relationship with Him. This became the pivot point of all history.
• Consummation. The Bible describes an ultimate “summing up,” when God will “gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven and which are on earth—in Him” (Ephesians 1:10).

We are now in the period leading up to the consummation. Each person (including you!) and each event has a purpose, whether a birth, a death, a scientific discovery or even a terrible storm. It is no time to be passive but rather to be watchful, engaged and fully trusting God in all things as He writes the glorious final chapter (see Matthew 24:42).

Day 24: An Eternal Perspective