Addressing the graduates from at Northwestern University in 2011, Stephen Colbert (American comedian, producer, TV commentator) made the following statement during his commencement speech:
Life is an improvisation.
You have no idea what’s going to happen next
and you are mostly just making things up
as you go along.
While I get the idea behind the thought, I think Scripture offers us a very different perspective:
Psalm 31:14-15
But I trust in You, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” The course of my life is in Your power…
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you – this is the Lord’s declaration – plans for your well-being, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Matthew 6:25 – 34 Therefore I tell you (this is Jesus speaking):
Don’t worry about your life, what you will eat or what you will drink; or about your body, what you will wear…
But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things will be provided for you
Romans 8:28 We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to His purpose.
In many ways, life is a bit like improv; we don’t know what’s going to happen next. That’s why we walk by faith and not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7).
But we are not just making things up as we go along.
Each of us – graduates included – was created on purpose and for a purpose (Ephesians 2:10), which means we can walk this life with purpose. How exciting is that!?!
So, I may not know what tomorrow holds, but I do know Who holds tomorrow!
Congratulations, Graduates!