Encouragement

---

For most of my life, I've been an avid reader of epic fantasy books of the J.R.R. Tolkien tradition. I remember reading the Lord of the Rings for the first time back in elementary school. It was the first major adult-level book I read and it's an experience I will not soon forget. While reading it, of course I rooted for Frodo and Sam to get to Mordor to throw the ring of power into the Cracks of Doom. There were some scary moments along the way, like when Gandalf got pulled into the gorge while battling the Balrog, and when Frodo got captured by She-lob, the giant spider.

Through it all, though, I knew that Frodo and Sam, at least, would reach their destination, that the enemy would be vanquished. The hero would triumph, evil would be defeated, and all their struggles will have been worth it. That confidence eased any anxiety I felt when the tension mounted and it seemed our heroes wouldn't survive. I couldn't get too nervouse because I knew how the story would end.

For Christians, the same applies. We know how the story of our life, the universe, and everything will end. No matter the struggles we endure presently, we know that nothing will get in the way of the ultimate happy ending. In the midst of our daily trials and tribulations, whether they be illness, injury, betrayal by a friend, or some other sorrow, we can still realize, "Jesus is still Lord", and our worries will lessen.

We do this not as some sort of pacifying mantra, but as a remembrance of the truth. For it is clear that Jesus will return and all the evil that besets us daily will be vanquished. The hero-Jesus-will triumph and we will share in his triumph. All else along the way merely helps us to move from here to there. Our confidence rests in His ultimate victory.

Our family needed this reminder earlier this week. Due to the nature of Laura's work (she works in a daycare in a homeless shelter) she contracted lice. That little critters then passed on to me and then to our daughter, the very day she started day care. For two people who have been overly stressed and worn out lately, this news hit hard. We despaired and wondered why this could be happening and how could we get rid of this very stubborn infestation.

Yet, Jesus is still Lord. So, though we struggle for a time, the darkness we wade through is only temporary and soon the clouds will lift and the Son of God will shine through. All will be well in the end, so we can rest easy in that knowledge.

---

PLEASE ENCOURAGE AUTHOR BELOW LEAVE COMMENT ON ARTICLE