The Last Minutes of the Story!

 As a writer, my two favorite parts of any of my novels are the beginning and the end. In fact, I usually know both those parts well before I even start writing. It's the middle of the story where I struggle most and usually just fly by the seat of my pants as I go along. The ending is always the most exciting part. It's when everything in the story comes to a huge climax, everything converges... all the characters, their struggles, their journeys, their purposes, everything they've been through comes together in the final chapter!  Right up until the very end, it looks like the hero or heroine aren't going to make it! It looks like everything is going to turn out horrible and all hell is breaking loose. THEN.... some turn of event, some miracle, some major twist happens, and the hero and heroine win! They are victorious and sail off into the sunset!  

God is a writer. In fact, the more I read the Bible, the more I'm amazed at His writing ability!  The entire book is truly incredible and the best story I've ever read. He places different characters (humans) throughout the various ages of the Bible, each with a specific purpose and assignment that furthers the entire story toward its climax! But what amazes me the most is that He has placed US here in the very last chapter!

Do you know how privileged we are to be alive in these end times? To be a part of this generation who will see the rapture of the church and the start of the Tribulation? All of heaven looks down on us, cheering us on, pulling for us, praying we can endure these last and final trials our nemesis tosses our way.  Because, let's face it, things look REALLY BAD right now!  But they are supposed to. Who would read the final chapter of a book if everything was roses and ice cream? No. the Lord is allowing things to get so bad that we (the heroes and heroines of the story) are starting to wonder if we are going to make it!  The person reading the story is biting their nails, sitting at the end of their seat, turning each page as quickly as they can, thinking "How are they ever going to get out of this alive?" 

But what kind of story would it be if the villain won? If the hero and heroine gave up in the last chapter? If they were defeated by their nemesis? That's not the kind of story I want to read!

I say all of this because I know we are all going through rough times. Some of you are sick, others don't have enough to pay your bills, others have relationship issues, marriage issues, kid issues. Some are worried about lost loved ones. Some have lost their jobs. Others have had deaths in the family, lost everything in storms. And some have had their hearts broken. Even if you have none of those issues, the enemy will come after you with guilt and condemnation, with accusations and incriminations. He will make you feel unworthy, unloved, unwanted. He will make you compare yourself with other Christians who seem far better than you are. He will even make you question your salvation.  But I tell you this now so you will know. The villain of your story is a liar and the father of lies! 

Aways remember you are GREATLY LOVED.  You may not have had a father or mother who loved you. You may have been rejected your entire life. But you are extremely valuable to God. He knows the number of hairs on your head and He collects your tears in a bottle. He knows every detail of your life and He understands you more than you understand yourself. Get this. He knows you better than anyone and is still crazy about you!  

So stand strong. I know the villain of our stories is attacking us fiercely now!  He is me too!  You are not alone. All your brothers and sisters are also being attacked. Jesus sees this and understands, but He placed you in this exact moment in time, right at the end of the story, because He knew you would make it!  He knew you would lean on Him and trust in Him and finish your race well! How cool is that?

I have not mentioned Rosh Hashana, which is coming up this week, at least on the current Jewish calendar. Who knows what calendar is correct? Either way, many are hoping the rapture will happen during this feast for a multitude of great reasons, which I've posted about often on this blog. But I'm not pinning my hopes on one day or a certain Jewish holiday. Honestly, I expect to hear that trumpet blast at any time now. I believe war is coming in October, war and an economic collapse.  Do NOT allow these things to bother you. We serve an awesome God who died for us. Will He not then freely give us all we need?  Will He not protect us under the shadow of His wings as He promised? Psalm 91

You are stronger than you think. You are the hero of this story, and God, being the awesome writer that He is, would not choose a hero or heroine who is going to give up and falter during the last scene! 

Fear ye not, stand still, and see the salvation of the Lord, Exodus 14:13

I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee….Hebrews 13:5

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. 1 Peter 5:7

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10