Thursday, December 19, 2013

By: Gwen Hitt

Happily Ever After

Revelation 11:15 .... and He will reign forever and ever.

Since the holiday season is an extremely busy time for me, my husband kindly records Hallmark Christmas movies when I am unable to view them at their scheduled times. Now, I must admit that my son thinks that these movies are a total waste of my limited free time. He repeatedly tells me that the story lines are all alike, and the movies consistently end in the same way ---- the main characters fall in love and live HAPPILY EVER AFTER!

Many of you may wonder why would an adult woman with an unbelievable amount of family, work, and church demands waste valuable time watching what some would label "mindless" movies. In my defense, I watch these movies while doing my homework, paying bills, balancing my bank statement, folding clothes, wrapping presents, etc. Helping me get through routine tasks is one reason for watching these movies. However, the real reason for watching them is that I absolutely LOVE the happily ever after endings.

Today's scripture reflects an encouraging happy ending - one that is not fabricated - one that we can base our lives on. We are guaranteed in this verse that Jesus will reign forever and ever ... that God will win ... that all evil will be subdued on earth. Just as I know the endings of my Hallmark movies have the potential to make me happy for a short period of time, I realize that we can derive eternal pleasure from the belief that God WILL be the ultimate victor.

How does this knowledge impact the way we live our lives ... the way we handle our trials? Jesus provides the answer for us in John 16:33 - "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world." He assures us that we can have peace even in our times of turmoil because He OVERCAME the world!

My challenge to you today is take advantage of the awesome privilege of Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God!" .... WHEN your world seems to be closing in on you ... when you feel that you are losing your battle, always know that our battles are His battles. He is waiting to fight them for us ... He is desiring to lead us to our HAPPILY EVER AFTER with Him!

Dear Lord, Help me to realize that I do not possess the strength to overcome my troubles on my own. I am so grateful to have You on my side.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.