(In previous posts I have shared my journey through grief and the many ways the Lord has walked with me. This is my latest entry in that collection. These posts have been helpful for me to write and look back on. When intense waves of sadness come, I read them. In the same way, I hope that in your times of sorrow, they can help you as well.)
Over the last year, I’ve read a book series I’ve fallen in love with. But recently, I’ve had to take a break from it. You see, as much as I love the story, I am equally dreading what will happen next. Without giving away any spoilers, I will just say this….the story is not ending how I want it to.
I think life can often feel like that. A book leads me to places I don’t want to go. There are frequently chapters full of sickness, death, and pain. They are undoubtedly impossible for me to skip over. Unfortunately, with life, we can’t just put it down and somehow come back to it when we are ready.
And so it is in times of pain and sadness. We’re often left with real feelings and emotions that cry out, “This is not how I want my story to go!”
Perhaps you feel like that’s where you are in your story today?
The Real Author
There have been many days where I’ve felt like grief has been the author of my life’s story. Maybe you’ve had moments like this or are feeling this way today. If so, I’d like you to meditate on this:
Jesus, not grief, is the author and finisher of your story.
Revelation reminds us that our stories will have the best ending. Listen to this promise:
“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.” —Revelation 21:4
Can you believe that?!
God’s Word reassures us. It says that even when our current life chapter seems unbearable, our story culminates in a place untouched by sorrow and suffering. With this in mind, Jesus is preparing a place for us. A place where tears, pain, and death will feel like a distant memory. They will be like an old book we have long forgotten about.
I ask you again, can you BELIEVE that!?
This is something that I take great comfort in. We all know that grief is real. It’s a chapter we’ll have to go through in our stories. However, I want you to remember that it is not the final chapter. There may be pages, chapters, and days (along with nights) full of pain and sorrow. But they do not get the last word.
The Lord does.
My friend, take comfort in this. For those of us who are in Christ Jesus, our stories do not end in despair. In fact, for you, Christian, the story you are walking through right now is really just the beginning.
And without a doubt, the best is yet to come.
Posted in A Word from the Pastor