Max Lucado

When Tomorrow Comes

An Ironman triathlete told me the secret of his success: “You last the long race by running the short ones.” In other words, don’t swim 2.4 miles; just swim to the next buoy. Never tackle more than the challenge ahead.

Didn’t Jesus offer the same counsel? “So don’t ever worry about tomorrow. After all, tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34).

Face challenges in stages. You can’t control your temper forever, but you can control it for the next hour. You last the long race by running the short ones. You don’t have wisdom for tomorrow’s needs, but you will tomorrow. You don’t have resources for tomorrow’s needs, but you will tomorrow. You don’t have courage for tomorrow’s challenges. But you will, when tomorrow comes.

From Prayer to Peace

Believing prayer ushers in God’s peace. Not a random, nebulous, earthly peace, but his peace, imported from heaven. The same tranquility that marks the throne room, God offers to you. Do you think he battles anxiety? You suppose he ever wrings his hands or asks for antacids? Of course not. A problem is no more a challenge to God than a twig is to an elephant. God enjoys perfect peace because God enjoys perfect power. And he offers his peace to you. A peace that will “guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:7 NLT).

The Philippians, living in a garrison town, were accustomed to the Roman sentries maintaining their watch. God oversees your world. He monitors your life. Listen carefully and you will hear him say, “Everything is secure. You can rest now.”

Read more Calm Moments for Anxious Days