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Check out this great insight via Jim Denison, PhD. As Jim observes, we live in unprecedented times. Jim is a cultural theologian and the founder and CEO of Denison Ministries. Dr. Denison speaks biblically into significant cultural issues at DenisonForum.org and DrJimDenison.com, as well as on radio, TV, podcasts, and social media. He is the author of over 30 books.
We live in unprecedented times.
Church buildings in New Jersey are being turned into community centers and apartment buildings. Church buildings in Europe are being converted into mosques, bars, pizzerias, and warehouses.
Church membership in the US has fallen below 50 percent for the first time. According to Barna research, 42 percent of pastors have considered quitting full-time ministry within the last year. Of the reasons cited, 56 percent note the “immense stress of the job,” followed by 43 percent who say, “I feel lonely and isolated.”
Here’s one way to face such an uncertain future and the stress it brings: stop facing the future.
When I began studying the philosophy of religion many years ago, one of the first insights that impressed me was the Greco-Roman insistence that time is a line on a page. This linear approach to history contrasted with a cyclical Eastern view and led Western civilization to view life as progress toward a predictable future.
From then to now, we have fixated on planning our time and our lives. I remember when day-timer notebooks were popular, followed by calendar apps on smartphones and now software that programs your days according to a variety of variables.
We in the West are committed to controlling the future. But the future cannot be controlled. A few weeks ago, few knew that Fort Myers would face the worst of Hurricane Ian. A year ago, few believed that Vladimir Putin would invade Ukraine. When he did, few believed that Ukraine could stand up to his assault.
When Dak Prescott broke his thumb, few Cowboys fans thought the team would win the next three games without him. When the season began, few thought Aaron Judge would hit more than 50 percent more home runs than a year ago and chase baseball immortality.
It’s hard to name a single consequential event of recent years that was predicted before it occurred.
Read more here: The problem with strategic thinking
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Jesus Quotes and God Thoughts 
Good point from Denison’s article: “His will is not a searchlight illuminating our destination but a flashlight showing us our next step. Then, step by step, he leads us home.”
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So much we can’t know with the future; good point.
Sobering statistics though: “According to Barna research, 42 percent of pastors have considered quitting full-time ministry within the last year. Of the reasons cited, 56 percent note the “immense stress of the job,” followed by 43 percent who say, “I feel lonely and isolated.””
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