Short Range Versus Long Range
When fighting an insurmountable obstacle, such as a potentially (or always) fatal disease, (or even something like a mountain of student loan debt or overcoming an addiction) the tendency is to become extremely discouraged by the sheer magnitude of what we are facing. Avoid looking at the mountain. Look only at where your next step should land on this walk. Our concern is the next step taken in faith, lighted by God, and on the path He guides us on.
I have learned to trust God to guide each step of the journey. I am not looking at the mountain in front of me; I am looking at Jesus who guides each step I take. For example, when faced with over 100 hours of debilitating chemo infusions, I did not focus on the enormity of the trial I faced. I knew God would be with me each day and looked only for the provisions He put in place for me each day. As he said, tomorrow will take care of itself (Matthew 6:34); which is another way of saying He will be right there tomorrow when you need to take the next step. Be fully aware of His presence and take that next step with assurance that God is with you all the way.
Taking a short-range view when looking ahead does not mean we should not plan. We are told that “We should make plans—counting on God to direct us” Proverbs 16:9 TLB. What we are talking about here is to avoid making ourselves anxious about an uncertain and frightening future with enormous obstacles, and instead take each small step at a time, holding onto Jesus’ hand, fortified by prayer, and confident of God’s sufficiency to provide for our every need (“Because the Lord is my shepherd, I have everything I need!” Psalm 23:1 TLB).
Take the long view when looking behind you at your past. Lift up your head and see the Ebenezers (stones of help: 1 Samuel 7:12) that line the path you have been walking. If you keep a gratitude journal you have documented all these experiences where God has providentially supplied you repeatedly with supernatural help in desperate situations.
I remember the days of long ago;
I meditate on all your works
and consider what your hands have done. Psalm 143:5
