Back to Your Future

One of my favorite movie series growing up was Back to the Future. When Back to the Future II was released, it gave my generation a glimpse of what the future might be like in 2015… and now, here we are in 2026. Quite honestly, it looks nothing like Michael J. Fox portrayed, but there are some similarities, such as flashing LED billboards.

Sometimes what we picture our life will be like is not always reality. You may have a picture in your mind of what you thought things might be like years down the road. But it’s drastically different than what you ever imagined. We imagine successes, joys, and happiness, but rarely think about the hard times, pains, or tough things we must go through. No one wants to face them, but they are the things that shape us. These are the things that make us who we are and ultimately, the things that make us rely upon God.

Several people in the Bible went through difficult times, and many of whose lives were changed because of the challenges they faced. Job is probably the best example that I can think of in the Bible, whose life turned out way different than what he had planned. And yes, his name is Job, pronounced Jobe. 

Job was a very successful man. Admired by all. He had a great family, excellent health, substantial wealth, and unwavering faith in God.

There’s a time of testing that came into Job’s life. During this time in his life, he lost his family, his health, his wealth, and his friends. Yet through it all, Job never lost his faith.

I’m sure that if young Job could have looked into a crystal ball or wondered what his life would be like years from then, it wouldn’t have turned out this way. It wouldn’t have had the difficulties and challenges that he now faced. Nonetheless, he accepted them, faced them, and never let it waver his faith. 

The Bible tells us that through it all, Job kept his faith in God, and because of it, God not only restored his wealth, health, and family, but He also doubled it all. 

I pray that if I ever face a time in my life like Job faced, I will stay strong in my faith as well. Not for the blessing of what might happen if I did, but simply because God is worthy.

Job said this about God in his deepest valley, “The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21). What an incredible perspective on life. Job also mentions this in regards to who God is, “For I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last he will stand upon the earth” (Job 19:25)

So the next time you start questioning your life choices, or the hardships you’ve faced, or wonder why your life hasn’t turned out the way you thought it would, remember that God is ruling over all. He is the redeemer, and His word will stand forever. Be like Job and put your faith in him.