Have you ever seen a good three-strand cord? It’s super strong! Basically, it’s impossible to rip apart. In fact, it looks strong enough to hold a ginormous military ship with aircraft landing strip, or perhaps a cruiser with intimidating deck canons and torpedoes – securely to a dock.
Today, we’ll explore a three-strand cord, but in a slightly different way. Essentially, your “past, present, and future.” You are a three-strand cord through all tenses of your life. Consequently, your history, your current scenario, and your future options are woven into one strong cord.
Past, Present, Future: A Three-Strand Cord
“A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecc.4:12)
God loves humanity! He created their design to flourish.
A Three-Strand Cord
God weaves your past, present, and future together creatively. Remarkably, He’s had your life cord in mind before creation. In other words, you’re always on His mind always. Your life matters!
It’s hard to break a three-strand cord. However, much depends on how you respond to God’s creative weaving. God weaves His tenacious love into your three-strand cord life. But you must say “yes” or “no” to His weave. His unlimited creativity makes each tense matter.
Let’s explore.
Past
It’s hard to imagine a “less than healthy” past could contribute anything to a three-strand cord. Rather, it seems only a successful, positive past would be strong enough for such a cord. Not so. Christ redeems a whole life when you accept Him. Actually, even a good past (outside Christ) isn’t strong enough for a durable three-strand cord. God weaves your past in with tenacity and beauty when you completely surrender to Him.
Consider the Apostle Paul who literally hunted Christians. Incidentally, he knew they could be jailed, tortured, or killed. His past is rather despicable. Yet, his past was woven into his three-strand cord in a remarkable way to bring glory to God.
The Lord chose this man with a less-than-respectable past to be “His guy.”
Incredibly, the same is true for you – whatever your past.
Present
The only life tense you have any control over is your present. Sure, there are things you can prepare for in your future. You can also “call on” experiences in your past. However, your present is where you live.
Every thought, attitude, word, and deed takes place here – in your present. Essentially, today becomes tomorrow’s yesterday when all current choices are gone. Subsequently, this is the power of the present. Your will gives you the only control you have.
God steadies you if you let Him. Jesus makes Himself available to you at all times. In –
- Problems.
- Hurts.
- Losses.
- Trials.
- Conflicts.
- Illness.
- Death.
- Disappointment.
Jesus is with you. Here and now, in the present.
Some folks have made incredible contributions by “being present” each moment. Many have changed history, medical advancement, discovery, inventions, and so on. Most have the power to quietly make a significant difference in daily details.
Incredibly, the same is true for you – whatever your present.
Future
Your future is filled with possibilities. Essentially, you have blank pages waiting to be filled. Your part is to fill those blank pages with good choices that make a difference in your life and the lives of others. You can make choices that honor God.
God is your Partner. This sets you up for future successes. Jesus gives hope that reaches forward. Your future is best when you –
- First, plant your past in Christ.
- Then, work in your present by partnering with Him.
- Finally, commit your future to honor God.
This will look differently than what you picture. Often, blessings flow out of difficulties as you rest in the Lord’s wisdom, timing, and interventions. God will never leave you without help if you eagerly connect with Him in your present.
God loves you. He never misses anything. He wants your three-strand cord life to succeed. Thousands of people have partnered with God. Consider Abraham, Moses, Joseph, Christ’s disciples, Apostle Paul. Now consider people you know who are committed Jesus followers. Some are famous. Many are not.
Incredibly, the same is true for you – whatever your future.
Respond To God For A Strong Cord
We’ve identified and defined past, present, and future. Now, let’s look at each again, but this time with deliberate response to God.
Cord #1 – Past
Whatever your past, God redeems all things. If you have a broken past, give it freely to Jesus. He makes brokenness and strife into something beautiful. If you have a faithful past, give it freely to Jesus. This is your service record. Regardless, God knows what to do to effectively weave your past into a strong three-strand cord.
Cord #2 – Present
The present is such a gift. It keeps on giving – if you engage it thoughtfully. This means you will live with purpose. Match every thought, attitude, word, and action to God’s Word and Christ’s character.
The Lord faithfully points out what’s not pleasing to Him. Immediately thank Him when He points it out. God wants you to succeed. Essentially, this means He will show you any missteps. Cooperate with His training. Fix issues. As for His help. As you accept His training, you bring the cord of your life into alignment with God’s Word.
Learn to think with Scripture’s strategies. Paul calls this – “work out your salvation.” This helps you lean into a sin-free life. (Phil. 2:12; Jn. 8:11)
Cord #3 – Future
The future is unknown. Yet, your future is filled with possibilities and opportunities that increase God’s work in lives. Determine to discover God’s intentions for your life. God’s design is strategic and He values your partnership. So, engage His strategies. Partner with God. As one would say in chess: It’s your move.
Life is like a game of chess. Interesting pieces placed on an equally interesting board of contrasting squares. Then it starts: strategies, choices, and patterns. It only takes a few minutes to realize you can’t play life chess without being very engaged and thoughtful. This content helps you identify strategies and action steps to make good choices and build strong, healthy life patterns. You can be confident each day by adopting God’s methods when It’s Your Move.
Your life is continually being woven. You’re a miracle from birth through eternity. We’ve mentioned regrets from the past. Plus, the unknowns of the future. Regardless, when you live your present by faith in Jesus, you partner with God in weaving your miraculous three-strand cord life. God wants you to enjoy His love and goodness at all times. Plus, He has great purpose for your life.
When you trusted God for salvation, He justified you. What does “justify” mean? Made right. Lined up. Straightened out. So, you have been made right with God.
Nevertheless, there’s something that comes first in receiving grace. Here are the steps:
Interestingly, God weaves your three-strand cord together through daily situations of your life. You partner with Him by –
Christ anchors you in all three tenses of your life. What if your past or present is filled with mistakes and regrets? Actually, Jesus addresses this. And He invites you to “get into His weave.” Rev. 21:5 says, “I am making everything new!” So, weave yourself into God with all your heart. A three-strand cord is woven.
I was finishing a book manuscript in a bed and breakfast when I met a lovely couple staying in the next room. In the dining area, they invited me to join them at their table. I learned they were on their honeymoon through a previous, introductory conversation. So, I declined. Still, I felt special to be invited.
