When You Desperately Want a Happier Ending
More than once over the last year, my husband and I have sat together on the couch and cried about circumstances spiraling completely out of our control. Way before this whole COVID-19 crisis started, we have felt stuck in sad story of continual brokenness and pain. I thought my life would look much different than this, and frankly I want a happier ending.
Maybe like me your story has turned out exactly the opposite of what you expected. Shattered dreams can suck the life right out of us and leave us feeling empty and questioning everything. Instead of looking forward to tomorrow, we end up grieving what we’ve lost. We may put on a happy face in front of our friends and deny we are discouraged for a while, but then anger rises to the surface.
We look up to heaven and wonder Why God? Why am I going through this? Why won’t you change it? We spend our days questioning why and end up exhausted. The “if only’s” always lead to doubt and discouragement.
I am so tired of worrying about my future. I wish I could just get a glimpse of how my story is going to end.
This weekend, God whispered to my weary heart and reminded me He is the Author of my story, and I can trust Him with my tomorrow — even though I don’t have a clue what is coming next.
I woke up on Easter Sunday ready to share the hope of Resurrection with my grandson. I had purchased a set of Resurrection eggs and an Easter book for toddlers, and we sat in the kitchen and talked about how the empty tomb means hope is alive.
The darkest day of our story is never the end.
After I had finished reading, my little man asked if he could “read” the book while I washed the dishes. He clutched the book in his tiny little hands and started turning the pages and repeating what he remembered.
Page 1. Jesus loves me.
Turn the page. Page 2. Jesus loves me.
Page 3. Jesus loves me.
As I heard his giggly voice repeating the words I needed to hear, I turned around and smiled. The Holy Spirit had clearly sent me a 3-year-old prophet to speak life and peace over me on Easter morning.
Friend, your Redeemer is writing “I love you” on every page of your story.
Right now in heaven, a mighty warrior is fighting on your behalf. Your Rescuer will stop at nothing to deliver you. He delights in calling you His very own, and His purpose for you cannot be thwarted.
Your Savior has promised a happier ending is in store:
His love never fails us during trouble or temptation.
Our Savior will never forsake us or forget us. There is no hole deep or dark enough for us to fall into where we won’t find His love surrounding us.
- “I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us.” (Romans 8:39, MSG)
His Love fills us with hope and persevering strength.
Jesus embraces us unconditionally and helps us to endure the unthinkable. His love grabs hold of us when we are discouraged and never gives up.
- “Love bears all things regardless of what comes, believes all things–looking for the best in each one, hopes all things–remaining steadfast during difficult times, endures all things without weakening.” (I Corinthians 13:7, AMP)
His love frees us from constant fear and anxiety.
When we place our faith in Christ, God’s steadfast love enters into our lives and expels fear. The Spirit of God gifts us with supernatural power to overcome paralyzing worry.
- “God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us, so that we’re free of worry on Judgment Day—our standing in the world is identical with Christ’s. There is no room in love for fear. Well-formed love banishes fear. Since fear is crippling, a fearful life—fear of death, fear of judgment—is one not yet fully formed in love. (I John 4:17-18, MSG)
To help remind you how much God loves you, I’ve created a beautiful list of 7 Scriptural promises for you to meditate on this week. Sign up today as a member of the Wildfire Faith Community and grab a copy in our Faith Fuel Library. Print out your copy and start each morning letting God’s love wash over you as you remember your happier ending is in the mighty hands of the One who loves you most.
You can trust the future is favorable because God is faithful. Your tomorrow is ensured by the Savior who encircles you with His unending love. He has hemmed you in behind and before. He has laid His hand upon you. Not one detail of your life escapes His notice.
As God pours His love into our hearts, His peace will overflow from our lives. Our redemption story will stand out in this world full of shattered hopes and dreams. We can point lost people to the Author and Perfecter of our faith. God’s perfect plans for us are always beyond what we can ask, think, or imagine.
Your Savior has ensured a happier ending that will exceed your expectations.
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I love how God uses little ones to teach us what we’ve taught them.
Indeed. Though the mouths of babes, the Holy Spirit speaks.
What a little ray of sunshine your tiny guy is for you–and now for us! Thanks for sharing the cuteness and the love!
His favorite word is no, Michele. But he is a cutie. 🙂
Stay safe, friend.
What a beautiful story: Jesus loves me. You could write a whole book based on that one story. So good! I think so many of us can relate to wondering about how happy ending about now.
I am so thankful that I know God has already won the victory. It’s this messy middle part that is so hard sometimes.
Your grandson is so adorable! I look forward to the day when I can see my grandkids again in person. I’m grateful for FaceTime (it’s saving me right now!) but I want to pick them up and play together face-to-face.
Yes, Jesus loves us. We all need these reminders often. Thanks, Lyli!
Hugs, grandma. I miss my mama like crazy, and we are face timing with her daily. It breaks my heart to think that we may still be on lockdown on Mother’s Day this year.
Out of the mouths of babes! I have that same wonderful can opener and instant pot, btw. May your life be filled with joy this week!
What a beautiful message from an adorable messenger.
How precious to see Rayden’s face! May he remember those words for all of his days. And tell him “thank you” for reminding me this morning that “Jesus loves me.” xo
My dear, you know how much this hits home for me. I so want a happier ending. It seems to be going the opposite way yet I’m laying all my Trust in God for the outcome. To accept and be okay with it, whatever it is. I’m not sure what that outcome will be and how I will react which I’m struggling with.
My prayer for you is that during this hardest of seasons God will give you His eyes to see that the seeds He is planting in this soil of your present difficulties are going to bear fruit for generations to come. I believe this will all of my heart. Meanwhile, I pray for God’s provision, God’s peace and God’s very near presence. Much love to you, Lyli!
Lyli, I’m so sorry for all the brokenness you’ve had to walk through sweet friend.
2020 has been surreal for me as well. January 5 marked the day my world fell apart and seemed to keep crumbling around me. I walked through the darkest valley to date the last 3 months. And with covid-19, the feeling of surreal has continued.
And I’m grateful God is the author of our story. I like to say, “When we find our voice to tell our story, we discover God’s goodness and mercy is written on every page.” Keep looking for that goodness and mercy, friend. Love your heart and how you encourage us. Your grandsom is completely adorable!