This Is Not the End of the Story
By Rick Warren
"We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don't know what to do, we never give up. In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again . . . because we know that God raised the Lord Jesus back to life. And just as God raised Jesus, he will also raise us to life. Then he will bring us into his presence together" (2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 14 CEV).
When the future is uncertain, the world comes to a halt, and there is a lot of fear, it might seem like your story is coming to an end.
The Bible tells us, "We often suffer, but we are never crushed. Even when we don't know what to do, we never give up. In times of trouble, God is with us, and when we are knocked down, we get up again . . . because we know that God raised the Lord Jesus back to life. And just as God raised Jesus, he will also raise us to life. Then he will bring us into his presence together" (2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 14 CEV).
You can’t lose! You win in the end, no matter what happens. Even if a global sickness takes your life, if you believe in Jesus Christ as Savior, then you’re going straight into the presence of God.
Your story will just be beginning.
Have you ever watched a TV show where every single episode ended in a cliffhanger and left you thinking the hero might not survive. The tension can be enormous.
But what if you waited until the show ended, so you could watch the whole series at once.
Well, when you know the series will last for six more seasons, you’re not too worried about whether or not the hero will make it out of a tight spot. Each episode is not the end of the story.
We don’t know how much time we have left here on earth, but that doesn’t mean we live without hope. To live with hope in the middle of a crisis like a global pandemic, you have to change your perspective. You have to live in light of eternity.
One day, when you meet Jesus in heaven all of your pain, sickness, sorrow, sadness, stress, and grief are going to end.
Here's what you have to look forward to: "He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away" (Revelation 21:4 NIV).
This is not the end of the story. We don't know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future.
PLAY today’s audio teaching from Pastor Rick
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Choose Faith Over Fear!
Are you ready to live with more freedom, joy, and impact?
That’s what you’ll discover how to do in Pastor Rick Warren’s 6-session, *video-based Bible study Daring Faith.
Complete with a study guide and devotion for each day, this study will help you learn how to . . . expect the best, build a life of faith, stretch your imagination, take initiative, face your fears, and trust God while you’re waiting.
So request your copy of Daring Faith when you give a gift today to help more people break free from fear and find their hope in Jesus through Daily Hope.
*Video is available in DVD or streaming formats. The workbook will be mailed to you.
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of materials you received from Daily Hope.
This devotional © 2018 by Rick Warren. All rights reserved. Used by permission.
You can listen to Rick Warren on OnePlace.com.
