Seeing Beyond the Present
Stepping into the Future
In the year that King Uzziah died, I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple. Isaiah 6:1
There is an intrinsic desire in every human heart to know what the future holds. This longing drives a vast industry of predictions, from weather forecasts to stock market analyses, from sports betting to lotteries. People invest time and money because they believe they can foresee outcomes, yet they are often proven wrong, resulting in significant financial losses.
This desire reflects a more profound concern about tomorrow. We hope, yet we worry; we are excited, yet we are afraid. As we look beyond today—past Christmas and into the new year—several principles from Scripture can guide us through uncertainty.
The Unchanging Throne
Isaiah records a moment of national crisis: the death of King Uzziah, a leader who had brought stability and honor to Judah for much of his reign. His passing created significant uncertainty about the future.
Yet in that very year, Isaiah saw something greater:
In the year that king Uzziah died I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up, and his train filled the temple.Isaiah 6:1
Kings rise and fall. Governments change. Earthly stability crumbles. But the Lord remains seated upon His throne—yesterday, today, and forever. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. In Him alone there is certainty for tomorrow.
The Promise of Hope
For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. Isaiah 9:6
This prophetic word, spoken centuries before Christ’s birth, reminds us that God has woven hope throughout history. From the moment humanity fell, God promised a better day. The birth of Jesus fulfills that promise. He can bear the weight of all authority and reality. No matter what troubles arise, we have a greater hope in Him, because of Him!
The Lord JESUS Christ!
Responding to Trouble
When earthly stability fails, we are invited to look up—to seek the Lord’s face. When we do not know where to turn, we turn to the One who holds all things together.
Troubles often blind us to the higher truth because we fix our eyes on momentary circumstances. Like Peter walking on the water, we begin in faith but can become distracted by the storm. Yet even when we cry out in fear, the Lord reaches out and saves us.
We must continue forward in faith, keeping our eyes fixed on Jesus.
Mary’s life illustrates this truth: the miracle of Christ’s birth brought years of difficulty, culminating at the cross. In that dark moment, she could not see the full outcome. But three days later, the resurrection changed everything.
No matter how things appear today, God is working. We may not understand how events will unfold, but we know that in the end, all will be well because God holds the future. I seek to hold His hand moving into the future
Vision in Exile
The apostle John, exiled on Patmos for his testimony of Jesus Christ, could have focused on his hardship. Instead, he was in the Spirit on the Lord’s day and received a vision of the exalted Christ. For twenty-two chapters in Revelation, John beheld the ultimate victory of Jesus.
In every biblical story—whether Noah, Daniel, Jeremiah, or John—God proves faithful. The narrative never ends in defeat when the Lord is in it.
The story of Jesus encompasses both low points (Calvary and the borrowed tomb) and high points (the empty tomb). The Lord is not finished with your circumstances or your story.
The God of the Bible is the God of our lives today. He is faithful every day of the week.
As Isaiah declared in the midst of uncertainty: “I saw also the Lord sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up.”
We too can see past the present and declare:
I also see the Lord.
Sitting on a throne.
High and lifted up.
And His train fills the temple.
Closing Prayer
Lord, thank You for the hope we have when trouble comes. When bills pile up, when jobs are lost, when bodies ache, when loved ones are gone, when outcomes are unclear—we see past the present and fix our eyes on You.
You are the God of our salvation in every circumstance.
Jesus, save us.
Add favor where there has been none.
Open opportunities where doors have been closed.
In faith, in prayer, I speak life, faith and love into every home and situation.
May this message plant seeds of faith and hope.
For today and all of their tomorrows!
We praise You, Lord.
In Jesus Name!
In Him, By Him, Through Him!
Scott A. Phillips