Passing Phase

This week I want to share one of my most favorite verses in the whole Bible. Are you ready? This is a doozy. This took me weeks, even years, to learn. Here it is...

And it came to pass... Luke 2:1a (NKJV)

That's it. That's the whole thing. Well...sort of. Yes, I know that the verse goes on to talk about Caesar and such.

But, I just love the way it begins. It. Came. To. Pass.

It didn't come to STAY! It came to PASS.

WHAT'S YOUR "IT?"

What is the "IT" in your life? Is it wealth, health, enjoying vacations? Well, enjoy them, because they will pass.

Is "IT" financial struggle, sickness, or a broken heart? Then hold on, because it TOO will pass.

Nothing is forever. Not even you and me. Someday, when you're old and nearing the end, you'll have aches and pains and hair growing out of places you didn't think possible. But all of us will PASS. Then...

Then we will be with Jesus. All of the joys, pains, struggles, ups, and downs will fade into eternity as we worship around God's throne forever and ever.

So whatever you are dealing with today, Whatever your "IT" is, just remember that 'it came to pass."

MY STRUGGLE WITH THE TEMPORARY

I have had a hard time personally with the whole Covid pandemic. Restrictions, mandates, shutdowns, and more. But when I think about this verse, and remember that even pandemics come TO PASS, I find peace and rest. And it helps me to keep things in the proper perspective.

Did I do that perfectly? NOPE.

Did I do it well? PROBABLY NOT.

Does God want me to grow in this area? DEFINITELY

And I would venture to say, He wants you to remember this truth in your life as well.

ONLY ONE LIFE

Charles Thomas Studd, better known as C. T. Studd, a British missionary, wrote a poem entitled "Only One Life, Twill Soon Be Past". Here is an excerpt from it:

Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears; Each with its clays I must fulfill. Living for self or in His will; Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.

We all only have this one life. Let's quit focusing on the things that are temporary, and instead choose to focus on fulfilling our role as disciples and disciple-makers.

God, I get so focused on the problems, circumstances, things, and ups and down around me that I've forgotten that they are temporary. Help me to find a fresh focus on things that matter to you, so that I can fulfill Your purposes before my time comes to pass. In Jesus name, Amen.