The Power of NOW

DEVOTIONAL

“Indeed, the ‘right time’ is now.” (2 Corinthians 6:2, NLT)

“Now," this very moment, is God’s gift to us. That’s why we call now “the present.” It is

God’s gift to constantly shift the trajectory of our lives towards the center of His glory.

I know someone reading this might be thinking to oneself, ‘Wait a minute! You have no idea what I’m going through NOW. My NOW looks more like a curse than a blessing! All I can see in my NOW is brokenness and weakness.’ Well, my friend, let me assure you I can certainly identify with your sentiments. If you give me a moment, I will show you how, regardless of the nature of your now, God can work it out for your blessing (see Romans 8:28).

Time, as we know it, is composed of three segments: past, present, and future. Throughout human history, we have allowed these three segments of time to play an intense game with each other, causing them to be continuously interrelated, many times to our demise. Allow me to explain:

• The past always seeks to interfere with affairs about the present and future.

• The present sometimes seems to be hindered by the past and threatened by the future.

• The future continually reflects the total of the past and present.

I would like to briefly reflect on how we can become empowered to collaboratively work in our favor to have these segments of time.

Let us begin with the past. Recognize the past is history and its purpose should be primarily for our instruction/ edification to make the present and future better.

Now, let us consider the present. Realize that though the present is the shortest of the three segments of time, it is pivotal in realizing the transition from the regrets of the past to the hopes, dreams, and aspirations of the future.

What about the future? In considering the future, understand it always stands wide awake on the brink of the present and will naturally reproduce the past unless the present continually sets a new standard.

The “present” or “now” (as I will refer to it in this reflection) is the shortest of the three segments of time, yet it is the most powerful, accurate, and consequential. I dare say now is the only real and “present” component of time for humanity. The past does not exist, and the future does not exist. The past can only live in the present if you, through your thoughts in the present, permit it to be present. The future can only exist in the present if you become God because God is the only one who truly knows the future due to His eternal nature.

From a human perspective, both the past and future are concepts. They do NOT exist! The past once existed when it was called “now," and the future will exist when it becomes “now." That’s why I say the past and future don’t exist. The past and future are conceptualizations of one’s thoughts.

The ability of the past to negatively impact you is based on your permission in the “now." The past can only have access to the future by passing over the bridge called “now." Your current thought patterns are responsible for your present reality and future destiny. What is impacting you now is not the past because the past no longer exists. The past is no longer real. What is moving you now are your current thoughts of the past. If your current thoughts about the past were to change, you would have a totally different reality now. Hence what truly impacts you is not the past but the now.

I mentioned earlier that the future doesn’t exist now. Have you ever heard of anyone who can do anything in the future? I haven’t. The only time you can do anything is now. That doesn't mean the future is not essential. The future is important only because of its relationship to the now. The future is an imaginary concept that is influenced by the decisions and reality of now. The thought I’d like to leave you with is

“Now” is the only real, relevant, and relatable component of time. The past is extinct, and the future is nonexistent. The past and future derive their meaning, power, and influence from now. Therefore, what you do now is all that matters.

The most futile endeavor of humanity is to live in the past or future. It is a worthless endeavor because the past and future do not exist. Consequently, to live one’s life in the past or future is to take up residence in a place of non-existence. What a distressing and unfulfilling place to be!.

Today, God is calling you to be liberated from the prison of the past. Today, He is calling you to be elevated from the apprehension of the future. Today, He is calling you into the present reality of His presence NOW. It is His gift to you, wrapped up in this present moment. Indeed, the “right time” is still NOW! Will you step away from the past, dismiss the worries of the future, and embrace the power of now?

The past is extinct, and the future is nonexistent. The past and future derive their meaning, power, and influence from now. Therefore, what you do now is all that matters."

By Lawel Natufe | Pastor, Christ The Way Church and Abundant Life Church