Your Story Is Not Over
Rodney Griffin often shares how songwriters get inspiration for the songs they write, and I expect that a lot of blog writers get material for their posts the same way. At least I do. The idea for this post came to me a couple weeks ago while listening to a pastor. He probably didn’t say anything that I’m about to share, but he was talking about our life story, and something he shared sent my brain spiraling down this path.
I’ve heard it said that conflict is vital to a good story. I used to wonder if this is true but try reading a book or watching a movie where nothing happens, and you will most likely get bored pretty quickly. It hit me the other week that, just as conflict is vital in fiction, so it is in real life.
I wonder if there is anyone on earth who heeds Paul’s admonition to “Count it all joy … when you fall into various trials” (James 1:2). I know I don’t. But there are times that I can look back and realize that the trials I’ve been through are in part what has made me who I am today.
Although I never realized how much conflict adds to stories, I have known that I do not like sad endings. If I am going to spend time reading or watching a movie, I want it to have a happy resolution. Well, if you are a Christian, you don’t have to sit in suspense wondering how your story is going to end. You are guaranteed a happily ever after.
The next time you are going through a difficult time, remind yourself that, although not pleasant, it is not the end of your story. Unlike novels where you can think of things that you would change if you were the author, you have the pen that determines how the saga of your life turns out. You may not be able to control every circumstance, but you can monitor yourself. You can be that person of shining character that everyone looks up to and wants to be like. And it very well may be that conflict that produces the patience and longsuffering that brings you to that place.
So be of good cheer, Brothers and Sisters. Your story is not over. There must be conflict to produce your happy ending, but that happiness will come if you do not give up.
Photo by Reuben Juarez on Unsplash
Leave a Reply
