I am certainly not the first voice to proclaim that plans change. The last few weeks have changed the plans of the whole world. At times we question what is better, moving forward with the plans we had, modifying them or scraping them entirely. The minute we make plans they are subject to change. Our ability to be flexible has much to do with who we place our trust and faith in. Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
I am hearing rumblings that the racing season is making plans to start moving towards running some races. North Carolina has allowed teams to return to the shop to prepare toward that goal. Dates are being solidified and soon, very soon the 2020 racing calendar will take shape. It will not resemble the one we planned on but it will be better than what some have predicted.
One of the great debates in the racing community revolves around how the plans will change. Most times it revolves around the weather and our inability to predict what will happen. Everyone has an opinion and preference. I do not envy the promoter that has to make that decision.
Sizzler weekend at Stafford Motor Speedway would have been a difficult one to come off as planned if the original schedule had not been changed. Friday and Sunday’s rain and cold temperatures surrounded a glorious spring day on Saturday. No matter which camp you are in you would have been disappointed. No worries it was a decision we didn’t have to make.
But it brings to mind the thought; how many times do we consume ourselves with worry and anxiety surrounding the plans that we make? I know there were times when I would be overwhelmed by the prospect that my plans may not happen. I am sure I am not the only one. In some way having everything canceled for us takes some of that away, but we still have that desire for things to go ahead as planned. My point is made by a question Jesus posed to those who listened as he delivered the Sermon on the Mount.
Matthew 6:27; NLT; Can all your worries add a single moment to your life?
The hardest part of the future is we don’t know what is going to happen. We think we know what we want to happen. We even think in some way we can control what is going to happen. The truth is we rob ourselves of living in this moment when we are focused on trying to secure tomorrow or change yesterday.
Psalm 118:24: “This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.”
Hastings reminds us; “It isn’t the burdens of today that drive men mad. Rather, it is regret over yesterday or fear of tomorrow. Regret and fear are twin thieves who would rob us of today.”
It is easy to be consumed by the regrets of yesterday, if we only knew what tomorrow would bring we could have chosen to live differently yesterday. We spend too much time looking back and looking forward that we forget it is here and now that we must focus on. We need to have a presence in the present to appreciate all we have.
These past few weeks have challenged us all. I see the predictions of life never going back the way it was. I hear the fear and trembling in people’s voices, I see it on their face. The times are strange and the future is uncertain. Let me assure you it always has been that way. The future has always been different than we have imagined it to be. Truth be told there isn’t a man on earth that knows what tomorrow will bring.
From the beginning of time man has wanted to know the future. He has pursued every opportunity, good and bad to try and predict the outcome of tomorrow so that he could make the decisions of today only to get there and lament that choice he made. Such a perplexing predicament we find ourselves in. If we only knew.
Matthew 6:31-34;NLT; “So don’t worry about these things, saying, ‘What will we eat? What will we drink? What will we wear?’These things dominate the thoughts of unbelievers, but your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of Godabove all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.
“So don’t worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today’s trouble is enough for today.
Jesus helps us find peace in the midst of our struggle. He helps us put things in perspective. He reminds us that God has plans for us, He knows our needs and will meet them. He encourages us to focus on the Kingdom of God and live a righteous life. Then these things will be added unto us.
Ephesians 2:10; NLT; For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
I know it is difficult to have trust and faith in God especially when everything around us seems to be so uncertain. In times like these I am reminded of who knows tomorrow, God does. I am reminded of who sacrificed their life for me, Jesus did. I am reminded of who lives in my heart and guides me, The Holy Spirit does. I am not alone and neither are you. The provision of tomorrow is in God’s hands. He invites us to take the journey with Him. I encourage you there is no better journey than the one we walk with God by our side.
Jerimiah 29:11-13; NLT; For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope. In those days when you pray, I will listen.If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me.
Until next time, remember God loves you and Jesus is Lord over Auto Racing! God Bless. Remember, that your prayerful support helps us continue this ministry. Thank You.
