Great Distance

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33 
 
While many people are excited during the holiday season, there are some that are struggling with loss—the loss of a loved one, the loss of a relationship, the loss of a job, or the loss of hopes and dreams. And you too may be struggling with something.  

In 1 Samuel 1, Hannah grieved her heart’s unfulfilled desire to get pregnant. In John 11, Mary & Martha grieved the death of their brother, Lazarus. In the book of Job, Job grieved losing almost everything that mattered the most to him. In the book of Ruth, Ruth and Naomi experienced heartbreak after the death of both of their husbands.  

However, that was not the end of those stories. God had a greater plan. Hannah conceived and bore a son named Samuel. Jesus raised Lazarus from the dead. Job gained back more than he lost. Ruth married again and Naomi gained a son in Ruth’s husband Boaz, who helped sustain her through old age.  

The blessing may not always be in receiving what we want, but we can rest knowing that God, in His infinite wisdom, always provides us with exactly what we need. He knows when we struggle, whether publicly or privately. He knows our longings, and He comes to give us peace.  

As John 16 highlights, we may have trials and sorrow in this world. However, God has overcome the world. And the good news is it is never too late to experience a breakthrough.  

Are you waiting for a breakthrough in your life? Is there a great difficulty that you would like to move beyond. God has the power to move you into your new chapter. But sometimes that pain is what leads to the change we so desperately want. Take heart that your journey is uniquely designed for you. And God will ultimately gain glory from your story!