Happy Ending

I woke with an uneasiness again today. The world climate is conducive to fear... of the unknown, of authority, of losing freedoms. No matter how you feel about current world and national events, you have probably also experienced a level of fear and angst. As I made my coffee and contemplated the plan for the day, I found myself scattered and unstable. The decisions I make daily are now made with trepidation. 
Do we visit loved ones? Attend church? Go to the store?? Are we jeopardizing our families health? Are we being manipulated? And what about schooling my children? 
The cyclone of concerns rushes in and causes emotional paralysis. Can anyone else relate? 
So I took my coffee to the couch with my loyal Chihuahua friend, Chloe and like every other morning, I flipped on the television. As I scrolled the channels I landed on the Hallmark Channel. Don’t judge! Who doesn’t love the promise of a happy ending? It’s a sure thing on channel 830! So, with five minutes left in the movie, instead of moving on, I proceeded to watch said happy ending. 
My mood changed. For real. And I realized something… 
As a Hallmark movie super fan, I know the outcome of most movies aired there, and I can’t wait for the end! I don’t get too stressed out,even during the conflict and climax parts of the drama. The happy ending is a gimme, so I just enjoy the subpar acting and lovely Christmas scenery! So, as a Christian, how am I traveling through this story of chaos called life… Pandemics, politics, pedophilia, racism, sex trafficking, divorce, cancer, death, family feuds, unemployment, financial woes… Add your own here________.
We are all part of this storyline where conflict is strong. The characters are encountering challenging crossroads, and pass their panic on to us. We see gloom, doom, sabotage  and despair. The tone is heavy and dark. The outcome, a mystery to all but the author. I am aware of the dishonesty, despair, death and uncertainty. But in this story, the ending is not really a mystery. You see,if you know the author, he gave you some inside information… An exclusive of sorts. 
 
Spoiler alert… The ending is glorious! Everyone who comes to know the author and creator of our story, Almighty God, will know the last scene and will anticipate it with joy. The ending will be even more glorious than the Hallmark kiss! Love wins… Unity becomes reality… Good triumphs over evil… No more tears, death, mourning or pain! 
The story we are part of right now is full of turmoil, yet God promises to walk with us through these tumultuous seasons. Here are just a few promises that God made to his people, and words spoken about God’s character by his prophets and the Gospel writers, that we can lean on in these uncertain times...

When you pass through the waters, I will be with you;
And through the rivers, they shall not overflow you.
When you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned,
Nor shall the flame scorch you. Isaiah 43:2


Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7


13. “Humble yourselves, then, under God’s mighty hand, so that he will lift you up in his own good time.  Leave all your worries with him, because he cares for you.” ~ 1 Peter 5:6-7


 For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons,[a] neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39


Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” ~ Joshua 1:9


So start your days remembering God’s covenant with His people. Enjoy the journey...Live your life...Trust it will all be good in the end. Because of God’s promises and his gift of Jesus Christ, we can have courage knowing He has it all covered. Pray for the peace that passes all understanding, and rest in His promises.

If you don’t know the love of Jesus, please read about His saving grace in the Bible and turn to Him. He really is our only hope.