It Ain’t Over Til’ It’s Over

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:1-3

The definition of endurance by Meriam Webster is: “the ability to withstand hardship or adversity.” You might be facing some adversity in your life right now. You might have gotten a diagnosis recently that devastated you. You may be wondering what is there left to live for? Or maybe you’re in the “golden years” of your life wishing God would take you home now.

Whatever your age or current outlook on life is, it ain’t over til’ it’s over! As long as you’re still breathing, God still has plans for your life and a hope for your future! You weren’t born by accident and you aren’t still living by accident. God has ordained the days of your life and He knows when your last day will be.

You might be holed up in a hospital bed, you might be totally healthy, or you might not be that “old” yet. I want to speak encouragement to all of you out there no matter where you are in the timeline of life. Remember in every season, God is working on your behalf even when you can’t see it. Not only that but He has plans to prosper you and give you a future.

You might be cringing at the fact God has a plan for you because you’re mad at God and cards He dealt you. Well, God didn’t cause these things to happen. We live in a sinful world with sinful people. Bad things happen to good people and that’s just life. God is right there with us to help us get through it.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28

Are you scared of dying?

As Christians, we know where we go when we die. There is absolutely nothing to be scared about. In fact, if you’ve noticed, many Christian funerals are called “Celebration Services” to celebrate that person’s life and the fact that they’re now in heaven. Of course, we mourn the loss of loved ones but we cherish memories of them and realize they are truly in a better place.

What do we have to look forward to after death? A new life that begins when we die but is really just the beginning. Our time on earth is momentary but after death, we still have eternity. I’ve heard rants and raves about this book called Heaven by Randy Alcorn and I can’t wait to read it! It is apparently very descriptive about what heaven might be like and uses scripture to back it up.

Are you sure where you’ll go after you die? I challenge you to quit avoiding the answer if you have been. It’s time to address it now because time is of the essence. Dig a little deeper and recognize the evidence that there is a God. That the Bible is real and that Jesus came for us. We deserve hell but now have the opportunity to spend eternity in heaven instead. <Go to topics at the top of the page and click “How To Become A Christian” if you would like to find out how.>

For years, I wondered if I would go to heaven when I died even though I was a Christian. It all seemed so uncertain. But the good news is that we do have the assurance of life after death. If you’ve already accepted Jesus as your savior and asked for forgiveness of your sins, you have nothing to fear after death.

That doesn’t mean we live perfectly. We still screw up but we ask Jesus for continued grace and learn from our mistakes. We will miss out on God’s best if we don’t listen to Him. Hebrews 12:1-3 above says to fix our eyes on Jesus. When our focus shifts towards Him, everything in our life will fall into place.

Reflection

Remember that it ain’t over til’ it’s over! Take a moment to ask God what He wants from you. Ask and then wait until He puts something on your heart. He might want you to spend time with Him. He may put someone on your heart to pray for or call to check on. He may convict you about something, etc. Whatever it is, write these things down and make it your goal to obey His call.

A Prayer For You

Lord, thank You for Your compassion and grace for me. Please forgive me for losing sight of what truly matters. Remind me that perfect love casts out fear. Show me what you want me to do. Let Your will be done in my life and let Your light shine through me. In Jesus’ name, amen.

One of my favorite songs is below. I listen to this when I feel overwhelmed and stressed. Music really speaks to my soul and this song soothes my soul. I encourage you to find good inspiring music that speaks to you too!

Stay hopeful!