The Importance of Being There
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending, saith the Lord, which is, and which was, and which is to come, the Almighty.—REVELATION 1:8 KJV
When we find ourselves in difficult situations, what do we tend to do?
Many people look at those circumstances selfishly and cry: “Oh, God, why me? Why do these things happen to me?”
But we mortals have a too-narrow view of our existence. In our minds, this world at this time is all there is. Sure, God is eternal—but maybe that just means He was around before us and had some super vision that we would come into being someday. If that’s our concept of God, we need to read His Word more closely.
Jesus said He is the “Alpha and Omega.” He’s the beginning and the end. Jesus, like the Father, is. He is the ever-present One who is apart from time.
When God spoke our world into existence, He called into being a certain reality, knowing then everything that ever was to happen—and everyone who ever was to be.
That you exist now is cause for rejoicing! God made you to fellowship with Him! If that fellowship demands trials for a season, rejoice that God thinks you worthy to share in the sufferings of Christ—and, eventually, in His glory.
Why do these things happen to you?
Because God in His infinite wisdom, love, and grace determined them to be. Praise His holy name!
Father, I thank You for giving me this difficult time in my life. Shine through all my trials today. I want You to get the glory.
I have much to write to you, but I do not want to use paper and ink. Instead, I hope to visit you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be complete.—2 John 1:12 (NIV)
Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.—2 Corinthians 1:3–4 (NIV)
The one who gets wisdom loves life; the one who cherishes understanding will soon prosper.—Proverbs 19:8 (NIV)