Dear Friend, today I’d like to remind you that this will not last forever. I know, some of you have situations that prompt you to say, “But Kay, this will last forever. This situation, this burden, this conflict, this physical problem…it’s not going anywhere. It will last forever.”
But here are two caveats to that assumption.
First of all, nothing on this earth, except for the souls of people who have been redeemed by Christ, will last forever. And while ten more years, 25 more years, may seem like forever, in comparison to the eternity of bliss Christ is preparing for us right now, those years are a blip on the screen.
There will be a day when every trial will end, every difficulty will be resolved and every burden will be lifted. This will not last forever.
But secondly, if you insist (as I often do) on focusing on the exhausting length of the trials some of us face on this earth, still this is not going to last forever.
The situation may not change, the burden may not be lifted from your shoulders and the conflict may not resolve. But you will change. Your will become stronger and more adept at carrying the burden (which you don’t carry alone any how). And you will become wiser and more capable of navigating the conflict.
So while the situation may not change and indeed may “last forever.” The pain you are experiencing from it now, the weariness that it presents, the confusion it causes, and the fog it has left you in will not last forever.
Be of good courage, my friend. God has promised that He is working something mighty big and beautiful in your struggles.
God wastes nothing in your life. If you are experiencing the pain of a difficult circumstance, He will use that pain to bring great, glorious gain. Press on, dear friend. God is at work.
I’m joining Holley Gerth and friends at her weekly Coffee for Your Heart link up, offering encouragement and hope. You’ll find more encouraging blog posts here.
Each Wednesday I invite you to Walk With Me… for a few minutes of encouragement on life’s path.
Oh, Kay, I am sure it was no accident or co-incidence that you were before me over at Holley's place, but rather a well planned God-incidence. Because this was just the message I needed to receive today!!
I have been struggling so long in the valley of sickness and discouragement as wearying circumstances press me deeper down and life gets hard and heavy. It's been a real faith challenge to lift my eyes from it all and see God is right there with me, somehow bringing beauty out of the ashes and pressing closer with His presence and grace to sustain me as I lean more on Him.
I have such a heart to help others and such a desire to speak encouragement into other women's lives but it is far from easy when I have to make a choice to deliberately search out snippets of encouragement and joy in the midst of daily adversity.
Your wonderfully uplifting and inspiring post has really strengthened my faith, enlivened my spirit, and given me fresh hope to persevere, whether or not positive change is on the horizon. And to rest in God's goodness and grace, no matter what is happening. Thank you so much! Bless you for your faithfulness in writing this affirming and helpful word. 🙂 x
Thank you for some uplifting thoughts and much needed advice.
http://imperfectlyhis24.wordpress.com/2014/06/04/your-name-here/
Thank you for the beautiful reminders.
I am so thankful that God is always at work for us.
I love how you said this Kay! The situation may last, but the pain and weariness does not – in the Lord's hands!