Time seems to stand still when we’re going through the many hardships of life. All we see is the immediate struggle right in front of us and it’s easy to assume life will always be this way. But we’re able to endure difficulties much more when we remember this won’t last forever.
To be sure, the seasons of life come and go. And this includes our seasons of suffering.
But this is hard to remember in the face of our pain itself.
For instance, even a simple toothache can be all consuming in the moment and we might start to wonder if we will ever be pain free again.
The sting of rejection might also tempt us to believe life will always be this way.
And finding peace and healing again after the sudden death of a loved one might seem nearly impossible as well.
The best we can do in the moment is often simply to care for the hurt and pain we’re experiencing.
But we must not give into despair and assume life will always be this way.
Even in the face of chronic illnesses and a lifetime of suffering, we look forward to that time in which there will be no more pain or sorrow or tears. All the grief and misery of this life is temporary in light of the larger story God is telling.
Of course, this doesn’t make it any less painful. And many questions without answers will remain.
But in giving full weight to our laments, we’re also able to live in hope knowing that this too shall pass.
The thief of goodness is close by when we’re completely blinded by the struggles in front of us that we forget God’s story is not over yet.
Humbly endure the pain and suffering of this life. And live in hope. This won’t last forever and the best is still yet to come.
Photo by Arnel Hasanovic on Unsplash
