My husband and I always laugh when an old episode of Star Trek comes on and the characters unfold across the screen. “Oh, oh,” we say. “That one’s going to get killed off.”  Only the main characters got to come back.

Real life can feel that way too. You may have had great material and financial success, maybe not. Promotions may have come your way, maybe not. Health and hardiness may be yours. The truth of the matter is that, in time, everything ends.

But I’ve got GREAT news for you today! You, dear person, are NOT a supporting character on an old Star Trek show. YOU are a leading character with an important role.

In 2 Timothy 1:9 we are told by the apostle Paul, “Who (God) hath saved us, and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,”

 The Lord God Almighty, Who always has been and always will be, Who knows all and is in control of all things, created you to come just when you did for His purpose. You, dear one, have been called by God not to do your own “thing”, but to serve Him in a very special role. All of this was designed by God before the world began.

You may think, especially if you or a loved one is going through a hard & painful time right now, that you would have written the script of your life differently. Yes, me too, but we are not God. He has the true “big picture”. The Bible tells us that we see things as through a dark glass—we only know things in part. (I Corinthians 13:12)

No one likes to suffer or to see someone else suffer. As of this writing, I personally know people who are suffering from either Alzheimer’s, stroke, MRSA, severe rheumatoid arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, have had a heart attack, or are mourning the loss of a loved one.

So where is the good news? Here’s the good news:  God’s plan includes a beginning, middle, and a glorious end.

Beginning—Your life with all its messiness was not an accident. (Psalm 139:15 & 16)

Middle—God knows your every day and offers you His best. (Psalm 37:1-7; 18 & 19)

End—God knows your end. It won’t be unexpected or without purpose. (Jeremiah 29:11-13)

Along the way when it gets miserable, disheartening, and seemingly impossible to bear one more moment—God holds your hand, upholds you, and helps you. (Isaiah 41:10 & 13;     Psalm 121)

When my stroke hit, I could not sit up or walk or swallow. A month of hospitalization and rehabilitation later I was released—graduating to a walker, a feeding tube, and constant care. God held my hand all the way (and still does). This week, almost ten months later, I went shopping by myself and enjoyed sipping a tall café mocha (no feeding tube). I sat there, thanking God for His mercies and  great blessings. Though I don’t drive yet, I believe that too will come if it is His will.

The Bridge to a whole and wonderful relationship with God the Father is through Christ Jesus, His Son. Even if your designed role includes suffering, and I’m sorry to tell you that it does for everyone, God offers you His hand, help, courage, and grace if you will receive His Son as Savior and Lord. Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. No man comes unto the Father but by Him.  (See John 14:6)

An operating manual comes with this life you’ve been given. It’s called the Bible. 2 Timothy 3:16 states, “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.”

Each day is a new day to walk with God.  Tell Him ‘good morning’.   Sing a little song of praise (He loves a joyful noise.)    Get into the Bible. Ask Him to share what’s on His heart. Listen. Share your heart (He already knows but loves to hear your voice.) Thank Him. Take Him with you throughout your day. (He’s a loving and wonderful Friend.)

The Lord bless you and keep you, dear one. May He shine His light upon you, strengthen you, and give you peace and joy.

Patty

GOOD MORNING GOD-a collection of scriptures to begin your day. Feel free to download the pamphlet for personal use and to share.

Blessed Connections:

www.theresemarszalek.com    Therese Marszalek Ministies–Bringing Hope and Healing for Today

www.gatewayspokane.org   Gateway Church–Pastor Adam Fox–Pointing the Way to Jesus

If you would like to receive Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord, here is a sample prayer:

Dear Jesus, Please forgive me of my sins.  I believe that You, God’s Son, died on the cross to pay the penalty for my sin. I believe that You rose from the dead.  Please come into my life and be my Savior and Lord. I repent (turn away) from my sins and will follow you all the days of my life.  Your Word is Truth; therefore I confess with my mouth that I am born again (Romans 10:9-10) and am cleansed by the Blood of Jesus.  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

If you have prayed this prayer today, please feel free to share your decision with Therese, Pastor Adam, or myself. It is important to share your good news.