A devotion to help you in life's challenges

I have told you these things, so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have problems. But take heart! I have won the world. John 16:33 (NIV)

I love reading - fiction, non-fiction, magazines - all in words. My husband caught me reading the bottle of shampoo when that's all I have on hand. But there are times when I can't stand the level of suspense in a story, the stress of not knowing how things will go. My stomach muscles tighten. I can't concentrate and I find myself reading the same passage several times. So, I take a peek at the ending of the book. Relieves my anxiety.

Likewise, when tense situations occur in real life, I want to see the future, that things will be fine. Not only is my desire impossible, but it reveals a lack of faith. Challenges to my health and finances, like the conflicts found in the plot of a good novel, are a necessary part of life. Just as the characters in a book develop through their struggles, Jesus uses suffering to build character and produce hope (Romans 5: 3–4). Without an opportunity to deepen my faith in Jesus, it would remain superficial.

Now, facing battles common to all, I found peace in the awareness of having everything under control. Every day of my life has been written in his book even before I was born (Psalm 139: 16). He knew me at first and walks beside me while I look in the middle. I trust it will lead me to a happy ending.

And that will be the beginning of an even better story: eternity.

Step: next time you open a book, use the time to consider how your life will read like a novel. Is your character deepening as you face obstacles? Is Jesus the central figure in your story?