”He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or sadness. There will be no more crying or pain. Things are no longer the way they used to be.” Revelation 21:4
My finger around the base of the nail of my index finger was just throbbing. The pain made me hurt all over. I had gotten an infection or fungus from probably putting my hands in water so often as I was cleaning and I hadn’t used my rubber gloves. As I was waiting for the day of my appointment with the dermatologist, I kept thinking how wonderful it will be when the pain goes away. However, my finger hurt so much it was hard for me to focus on the relief I planned to get after treatment. I kept reminding myself “This too will pass.”
Through the years, the motto “This too will pass” has pulled me through some truly miserable situations. Whether it was physical pain, emotional pain or sadness from the death of a loved one, I would remind myself: NOW IS NOT FOREVER.
The confidence we have as Christians is that God has something good planned for us. Suffering was not part of His original act of creation, but it serves as a temporary reminder of what happens in a world where God’s order has been broken. It also motivates us to spread the word about God’s plan to redeem the world from the suffering caused by sin.
Those of us living in daily physical pain and the related emotional pain and frustrations must constantly remind ourselves that these trials are only temporary. Some sorrow ill be relieved in this life, but all of it will be relieved when God finally establishes His new heaven and new earth. NOW IS NOT FOREVER.
Prayer: Heavenly Father, help us to remind ourselves often that the gains of heaven will more than compensate for the losses of earth. Help us to know true joy even as we cope with pain and sorrow in this world as we look forward to eternity with You—a time when every tear will be wiped from our eyes. Amen
About the Author:
Patricia Armstrong lives in Virginia Beach and the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia (Harrisonburg, Va.). She is a retired teacher who enjoys serving through her church, reading, gardening and camping with her husband, Richard. Patricia prays for peace and comfort for those dealing with trials and hopes that knowing NOW IS NOT FOREVER will bring comfort.
