“. . . Just as Christ was raised from the dead through the glory of the Father, we too may live a new life” (Romans 6:4).
One of my favorite songs is “The End of the Beginning” by David Phelps. Its message is that although Christ’s birth and death seemed like the end, His resurrection was the beginning of new life. For His followers, Jesus’ death must have seemed like the end. They did not understand what His death accomplished. Those three days before His resurrection were probably filled with grief, despair, uncertainty, and fear. Although Christ’s earthly life and ministry came to an end, many other things were beginning–the New Covenant, the coming of the Holy Spirit, the veil torn in two, prophecy fulfilled.
Many times in my struggles with pain I have felt my life was ending. I have gone through grieving over losses and will continue to do so, if not with illness then with ageing. Yet these endings have also brought new beginnings in my life. I appreciate so many small things that I took for granted before. I am learning how to adapt to my disabilities. I have opportunities to build new relationships with other fellow-sufferers, offering mutual support and encouragement. I am learning to receive as well as to give, and to believe wholeheartedly that everything I am and have is a gift from God and not what I have done.
My battle with chronic pain began 25 years ago and although I didn’t know it then, that was the beginning of the gradual end of many things for me. But it was also the end of the beginning of a whole new walk with God. We are only at the end of this new beginning. We have an entire eternity ahead of us to experience more than we can ever dream or imagine. Our waiting may be longer than three days, but our resurrection draws closer every day. Praise God for His wonderful endings and beginnings!
Prayer: Lord Jesus, I praise you for Your triumph over sin and death. Fill me with resurrection joy even through the trials of this earthly life, knowing I will soon be raised to eternally new life with you. Amen.
About the author:
Bronlynn Spindler lives in VA and is blessed to have the support and encouragement of a wonderful husband and three grown daughters. God’s grace and strength have brought her through thyroid cancer and continue to sustain her through ongoing back pain, depression, headaches, vision problems, and fibromyalgia. You may view her blog of devotionals at www.aplaceofsprings57.blogspot.com.
You can now read this on your Kindle. Find out more at http://TodaysDevotionOnKindle.com
What new beginnings has God brought into your life as a result of your losses?
thank you and God bless!
Yes, thank you Bronlynn!
As I face an end and don’t know what will begin next, this was a comforting reminder.
Endings are often so uncomfortable.
Bronlynn – what a wonderful devotional. It inspired and encouraged me.
You bring out many good points but one that stuck with me is that when any of us are first “hit” with our challenges ( in whatever form they take ), immediately there is hope that they can be fixed and that surely our suffering ( and losses ) will be short lived. But for many, we discover that our lives have been changed drastically. We don’t get better. We either are drawn into a deeper dependence on God or we plummet into despair. And even with Him, we often feel despair but we also know we are not alone in the trials.
I have expereinced many new beginnings over my many years with chronic illness – among them is meeting so many people who have become online friends ( you being one! ) who do understand. It gives me strength to know that I am not alone on this planet but that others also share in sufferings and that we can help one another through encouragement.
My relationship with the Lord is much deeper, stronger as He is the only true strength that I have.
He has helped me find new ways to serve – perhaps more quiet and not hectic ways as I can no longer be buzzing all over town “doing”!
New beginnings, yes. Each day is a new beginning as we let go of the past and live in the present ( or try to ).
What a great song, too. I had never heard it and its message is a perfect compliment to you words.
A blessed Easter to you and your famaily -
Love,
Lynn
Thank you. Have a blessed Easter!
Carolyn, Anne, and Mandy, Thank you for your comments. I’m so thankful that every ending here is a new beginning with God and I pray each of you has a blessed Easter.
Lynn, it was good to hear from you. I enjoyed seeing your writing again
I agree with what you said about hoping things will improve and then coming to realize they very well may not. I am praying for a better view of that though – another step on this adventure with God. And serving God “quietly” is not a bad thing! I”m still working on that one 
I pray you are doing well and have a meaningful Easter.
Love,
Bronlynn
Thank you, Bronlynn!
I believe that all of us are “working towards” the acceptance of what now exists in our lives. I have yet to find any of it easy. There are moments that a sense of accomplishment or God breaking through can be counted as joy.
I keep meaning to send you an update. I still do and hopefully will.
Love, Lynn
Bronlynn & Lynn: The words of the song you refer to here are really powerful. I was unfamiliar with it till now.
As with Lynn, meeting new compassionate and encouraging friends online has been “a new beginning” for me. The two of you are included! I think this devotional ministry was the catalyst for our friendship.
Your sharing of personal thoughts and feelings, as well as pointing to our precious Saviour as THE ANSWER have lifted me up many times. Thank you for being obedient to the Lord’s urging to ponder and put into words the difference He makes in your journeys with chronic illness.
My husband & I are facing a new diagnosis( for him) that has already started to affect our lifestyle and right now it’s tough going. But I have confidence that the Holy Spirit will give us the grace we need, day by day, to deal with it. Also, it will be interesting to see how He will give us new opportunities to show His wonderful love and power through this.