Our lives here on earth are full of twists and turns. The uneven pathways of life may take many different routes during our lifetime. Nobody knows with any certainty what lies ahead for us. Yet, God has promised that none of life's discouragements can overcome us-unless we allow them to do so. How can we make sure that the end is better than the beginning?
Keep the goal always before us. "Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected; but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of me. Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus." {Philippians 3:12-14}
If the apostle Paul understood that wisdom is never forgetting what lies ahead, isn't that good advice for us too? Heaven is not for whiners or quitters. Things will not always go as we planned, but should we throw in the proverbial towel? No matter what one may experience in the ways of trial and disappointments heaven is worth it!
Never forget God is near. "Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, I will never leave you nor forsake you. So we may boldly say: The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?" {Hebrews 13:5,6}
In all of my trials of life I can honestly proclaim that not once did God ever turn His back on me. How I wish I could make the same statement about my relationship with God in times of difficulties. God tells us He cares for us, 1 Peter 5:7. He instructed us to make our requests known to Him, Philippians 4:6. Lack of faith keeps one from turning to God in times of trouble. Where do you turn first in time of need?
Remember that trials are temporary. "Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong." {2 Corinthians 12:10} Too many of God's children forget the temporal nature of our struggles of life. Our problems will run their course-just maybe not quick enough to suit us. The worst that can happen is our physical life may come to an end, Hebrews 9:27.What is that when compared to eternity? Never allow the temporary problems of this world to rob you of the eternal reward promised by God. Sadly, many forget this point and make a poor exchange of the temporary over the eternal.
Prepare to die in the Lord. "Then I heard a voice from heaven saying to me, Write: 'Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on. Yes, says the Spirit, that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them." {Revelation 14:13} The prophet Amos told Israel to "prepare to meet thy God," Amos 4:12. Life is a testing ground. One proves to his master where he desires to live in eternity. Yes, all of us will spin a different story with the choices we make in our lives. Yet, all of God's people should strive to make sure the end of the story is the same for us all-to die faithful in the Lord. Dear reader, what kind of ending are you preparing for the end of your story?