by Marilyn Ehle
“We fix our eyes…on what is unseen…” 2 Corinthians 4:18
Twelve-year-old Susan repeatedly asked her parents to watch a popular movie about the sufferings and death of Jesus. Because the film’s graphic scenes had a profound emotional effect on these two adults relatively new to the Christian faith, they wondered if some of its raw scenes would be too difficult for Susan. Finally relenting, they agreed to view the movie together in their home, closely observing their daughter, alert and ready to explain the movie’s powerful message.
During the two-hour story, Susan was quiet and absorbed but showed little emotion. Upon its completion, her mother asked if the gripping scenes bothered her too much. Susan replied, “Oh, I’m very sad about how Jesus was treated and the awful way He died, but after all, I know the end of the story.”
Knowing the end of the story should have a profound effect on us as we go through the realities of life—realities that often bring the anguish of incurable illness, unspeakable terrorism, wrenching grief and so much more. Young Susan grasped the same perspective that the Apostle Paul wrote about:
We do not lose heart… For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:16-18)
Paul—and Susan—know the end of the story.
You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/2011/02/01/me_end-of-the-story/
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