“…in the last few months, I’ve truly felt that whole beauty-for-ashes and joy-for-mourning exchange. In a way, I feel ‘me’ again. Changed, for sure. But me, nonetheless. And I guess more importantly, I have total trust in His plans again. And His intentions- that they are good…”
Recently, I found myself texting those words to a friend living on the other side of the globe. As soon as I hit “send,” it hit me: suffering does not last forever. The burden really does lift. Yes- grief, physical reactions to trauma, and real pain will still press against the heart, but they won’t always take your breath away.
God is generous. He is kind. His love endures forever. These are truths that stand the test of time and circumstance- even on the days when we cannot feel them. The glorious thing is that, no matter how deep the pain, the day will come again when you will feel these realities pierce your broken heart and make it whole again. The process may be long, your world may seem shattered longer than you’d like it to, but I promise there is an Architect working on your behalf- even though you cannot see.
If you are in the throes of loss or the tremors of turmoil: keep moving forward. Keep singing those songs that don’t sound true anymore because one day “It is well” and “Great are You, Lord” will be your testimony again. Keep reading those passages you believed so fervently years ago because in His presence there truly is fullness of joy. Keep serving and praying and trusting and giving. Even when your efforts feel worthless and your energy feels wasted on things seemingly void, keep doing the things you know to do because a better day is coming.
He has been faithful before. He will be again.
“The suffering won’t last forever. It won’t be long before this generous God who has great plans for us in Christ – eternal and glorious plans they are! – will have you put together and on your feet for good.” 1 Peter 5:10 MSG.