03162019 Finish Line

Dear Missionary Lady,

Thank God for keeping each of you this week and for doing His work through you. You know, according to the calendar, each week has just seven days. Doesn't it seem, however, that some weeks stretch on forever (and about three or four of those days are Mondays)?

Just like those long and challenging weeks, there are seasons of life that seem to stretch on in unending trial. Some unwelcome situation drags on and on with no end in sight. In my opinion, the undetermined length is what makes the trials especially hard to face.

If we only knew when the trial would end, we could hold on. Every difficult winter will end in a few months, as winter gives way to spring. A woman might have a very difficult pregnancy, but she knows that in nine months, it will be over, and she will have the joy of her precious baby. A college student might struggle through the combined burden of studies and work, but he can look forward to graduation in four years. It is the hope of those finishing lines that helps us through the race.

But what about when we can't see any end? When the suffering seems interminable and the situation irresolvable? What about when we wait and wait ... and wait, and there is still no answer? Hope can be squelched, and the spirit can be crushed. We want to give up in despair, believing that no action or belief on our part can make any difference, and that God is apparently not doing anything either.

The good news for the Christian is that there is always a finish line. Every trial will end. Every sorrow will be relieved. Every burden will be lifted. Every difficult circumstance will give way to joy.

In most cases, this will happen here on this earth. Even if a sickness or family struggle or ministry challenge lasts for months or years, most of the time it does come to an end within our lifetime. The Bible talks about the temporary nature of trials, and the relief that follows them.

"Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning" (Psalm 30:5).

"Thou hast caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water: but thou broughtest us out into a wealthy place" (Psalm 66:12).

"Wherein ye greatly rejoice, though now for a season, if need be, ye are in heaviness through manifold temptations" (I Peter 1:6).

"For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory" (II Corinthians 4:17).

God knows that these difficult spells are hard, but He is doing His work through them, and He will bring them to an end. Even some non-Christians are clear-thinking enough to take hope in the knowledge that most trials will end, (although they can't rejoice in God's design and work in the meanwhile). There is a point, though, at which those without Christ lose hope; this is when there is no apparent likelihood of the situation ever changing. Even when a trial will last until death, the Christian has hope. He knows that eternity is coming, when all lingering trials will finally meet their end.

"For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18).

"And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away" (Revelation 21:4).

In whatever situation you are facing, and regardless of how long it has been already, and in spite of the fact that there are no answers in sight, the truth is that the trial will end. God, in His ultimate wisdom, will reveal His solution when He knows the time is right; or, He will end this life of wretchedness with the glories of heaven. Whichever way it happens, there is a finish line.

Noah remained cramped in the unpleasant conditions of the ark for a year, but then he walked on dry land again. Abraham waited twenty-five years for his promised son, but then he had the joy of holding him in his arms. Joseph spent decades in exile, slavery, and prison, but then he was reunited with his family and raised to great importance. Job's illness lasted (probably) for months, but then he was healed and his riches restored. The Bible is filled with many such examples. It also contains the stories of men like Paul who walked from prison into glory, and of the prophets who faced rejection until the time God accepted them.

Take heart. The trial you are currently in - the one that has already stretched on for ages - the one that feels like it will never end - it will end. Probably in this lifetime. Certainly in heaven. There is a finish line, and God knows exactly when that will be. Trust Him, and just keep walking day by day.

"I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the LORD in the land of the living. Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD" (Psalm 27:13-14).

Love in Christ,
Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com