We’ve Been Through A Lot
You know what? We’ve been through a lot! And although in the last few months, people worldwide had to redefine the word “normal” and learn to live in the context of a pandemic, in many ways, 2020 was a sadly average year in human history. If you can name it, it definitely happened: deaths, loss of jobs, economic uncertainty, political tensions, social struggles. Just name it and look it up – it’s in the news somewhere!
But as Christians, we can be grateful that God has already revealed to us the end of the story. The Bible treats us with many encouraging spoiler alerts, letting us know that whatever we are going through, it all ends well for his people. We may not have all the details as to when some of his promises will be fulfilled, but we can rest assured that we will not be let down. We have a faithful Father.
The Bible treats us with many encouraging spoiler alerts, letting us know that whatever we are going through, it all ends well for his people.
Revelation is by far one of the most encouraging books of the Bible because it contains some of the best promises God has made to us. One of my favorite scripture passages is found in chapter 21:
And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Rev. 21:3-4 NIV)
We can only imagine how John must have felt when he saw this vision with his own eyes. Can you even grasp the idea of a world with no pain, no tears, no anguish, no cries, no funerals… just joy, peace and life abundant in the presence of a loving God? When our Lord and Savior Jesus comes again to complete his ultimate rescue mission, even death will be done away with! Let this sink in…
There Is Hope
Sure, there are voices all over the world (and maybe in your mind too) that constantly remind us that we live in a world that is all too vulnerable to evil. But there is also a loud voice in heaven that speaks from the throne. That voice wants to remind you that what we are going through is only temporary and that the real world — God’s world — is coming soon.
- It’s okay to cry. Just know that at the end, he will wipe away all your tears.
- It’s okay to be angry at the sight of evil gaining territory around us. Just know that at the end, he will remove evil from our reality.
- It’s okay to feel helpless in front of what seems insurmountable challenges. Just know that at the end, he will inaugurate a new order of things.
You can always trust in God and feed your heart with hope that will not disappoint.
You can always trust in God and feed your heart with hope that will not disappoint.
As we enter into a new year that will most certainly bring another set of challenges, may you set your heart on truths that can keep you locked in on God’s eternal and trustworthy promises.
And if, in the next few months, you find yourself needing a good dose of encouragement, just go back to our heavenly Father with a grateful attitude and peek at his many biblical spoiler alerts. They will give you hope again.
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