There’s a truth that needs to be spoken on these pages that none of us want to hear. We want the story when Jesus calms the storm and instantly all is well. But we live in a broken world and deep inside we all know…
Sometimes the storms don’t stop.
Sometimes the chronic illness isn’t healed. Sometimes the infertility never ends. Sometimes the relationship doesn’t get better. Sometimes it just keeps raining.
I recently spoke about this with a friend of mine. Her adorable daughter has a disability that will affect her throughout her life. It also brings daily heartache to my friend and her husband, even though they love their daughter very much and are thankful to have her in their lives.
When I asked what brings hope in the midst of this difficult situation my friend said, “I think about heaven and how my daughter will have a new body. This life is not the end. One day we’ll be in a place that’s perfect.”
Randy Alcorn, the author of Heaven, echoes this when he says, “Knowing our suffering will be relieved doesn’t make it easy, but it does make it bearable. It allows for joy in the midst of suffering.” He later assures us, “God promises to make up for the heartbreaks on this earth.”
It’s important for us to be able to look forward to heaven because as much as we may pray for the weather in our lives to change, some storms will stay until we step into eternity. That means sometimes prayers will go unanswered, diseases will not be cured, and justice will remain undone.
But like Noah, we have a rainbow waiting for us at the end of the flood. It’s made of God’s declaration that once we pass from this life to the next, we will never again watch our lives be washed away.
God has promised to wipe away every tear from our eyes, and on that day He’ll take away every stormy cloud from our skies as well.
{excerpt from Rain on Me: Devotions of Hope and Encouragement for Difficult Times}
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On this day we remember when Jesus went to the cross for us. We know the ending to the story–the resurrection is coming and soon we’ll be celebrating. The same is true for our lives, our stories, our storms. This life is not the end…it’s only the beginning.
I’ve loved being here with you this week! Happy Easter!
As we think about the cross, let’s be grateful together. Thank you, Jesus, for…
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Sharon Gibson says
The most comforting truth about this reality is that we can come to Christ over and over for comfort and strength.
He sympathizes with us.
He cares.
He shares our suffering and walks through it with us.
As we seek Him in our distress, we come to know Him more intimately. In this way, we can be compensated for our suffering because to the depth of our suffering, we can also know the depths of His love and comfort. We don’t have to waste our sorrows because by seeking Him in them, we discover Him in deeper ways than we would have otherwise.
“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Hebrews 4:15, 16 (NIV)
Blessings,
Sharon Rose Gibson
Stacie says
Holly, I just discovered you and your writings this week… but what an encouragement! Thank you for speaking Truth to my heart today.
all shall be well says
Hi Holley,
I have enjoyed your posts, and I love your book, it is so encouraging in the everyday, hard, and also joyful places of this life.
Thank you,
karen:)
Jen says
Thank you Jesus for loving me and for being SO faithful! Amen
Kristen@Chasing Blue Skies says
A perfect post on this good Friday.
Happy Easter, my sweet friend. Love you to pieces!
Holley Gerth says
Thanking Jesus for all of YOU today! Thanks so much for sharing this journey with me this week. Happy Easter!
Laura says
Words I so needed to read this morning as I continue to endure a heartbreaking situation in this imperfect world we now live in. Fixing my hope on Jesus and His promise of what is to come. Thank you.
tinuviel says
Thank You, Jesus, for bearing our sorrows and sicknesses on the cross as well as our sins. Thank You for becoming sin to make us righteous with Your righteousness. Thank You that these broken bodies are only temporary and someday we will be whole. And thank You for Holley, for Your work in her life and for giving her the courage and gifts to share the comfort and hope she receives from You.
JD in Canada says
Thank you Jesus for… who You are in the midst of who we aren’t.
angela says
I am so thankful I clicked on the Book Club link today! I have been dealing with issues for almost 2 years now with my health. I’m tired, I’m hurting, and I am floundering. But you reminded me tonight that HOPE does indeed win!
Teri @ StumblingAroundInTheLight says
Holley, I’ve been hit full-force tonight with the truth that God’s goodness is not based on circumstantial evidence…
just a glance at Dawn’s postings at ‘Roscommon Acres’ or Joy’s writings at ‘Joy In The Journey’ and I’m painfully convicted of my own petulant ingratitude.
How can I utter complaint? How can I doubt His Will, His Goodness, even in the midst of suffering, as I contemplate the cross?
Fear hovers, doubt prowls…but Hope…Hope is what I call out for, every time I speak His name: Jesus!
Katie says
Holley this is a great reminder for when the storms don’t seem to be ending. Thank you!
Sarah says
Hi Holley,
I have so much enjoyed your posts this week – they have been a blessing to my soul. I have ordered your book 😀 Happy Easter x