“Therefore, with minds that are alert and fully sober, set your hope on the grace to be brought to you when Jesus Christ is revealed at his coming.” 1 Peter 1:13
I love happy endings.
I enjoy watching artsy movies that leave me with unanswered questions and issues to ponder. But, at the end of the day, I honestly prefer seeing everyone get their “happy ending” – whatever that may look like: finding true love, financial security, a dream career, etc.
Scripture teaches us that that if you trust Christ, we ALL get a happy ending; even more, a permanent happy ending than could never be described in a movie or book. Scripture tells us (1 Corinthians 2:9) that we can’t even conceive what it would be like!
On the other hand,
how many Christians have been severely wounded because they expected their happy ending to come on this side of eternity?
I confess that I am one of the worst. I seem to have this deep seeded sense of entitlement that tells me, because of certain struggles and disappointments, that my “happy ending” is just around the corner.
But God never promises that in this life.
1 Peter 1:13 warns us that to have our hope set on the things of this world is to be lethargic and inebriated in the boxing ring. In other words, foolishly and unnecessarily vulnerable to being wounded or taken out.
So for those of us who are sick of getting sucker punched, let’s get our hands up, and our heads down by adjusting our hopes and expectations away from the happy ending that our culture guarantees, and on to the happy ending that Our Lord promises.
Father, please ignite my imagination with images and visions of being with You forever in heaven. Enable me to emotionally hold on to the promise of heaven in the face of any and all disappointments, while continuing to love and serve You and the people around me. Thank You!
Question: When you’re facing a stumbling block, and you’re struggling to keep Heaven in focus, which Scripture verses do you turn to?
By Thomas Pujol
Used by Permission
Further Reading
• On Whom Will You Rely in the Coming Year?
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