Stories Galore

When was the last time you read a book? For me, it was last night; I tend to read every evening, for a few minutes at least.

But I'm probably biased. I mean, I am a writer, after all.

Studies show that 48% of Americans haven't read a book in the last twelve months. Guys, that's almost half of us!

Now, this isn't a guilt trip if this blog is the only reading material you peruse (thanks, by the way). Rather, I'm bring this up because of the wonder found in completing a good book...

When all the plot holes are filled in.

When the mystery or problem is solved.

When the seemingly-insignificant detail from chapter three comes back around to complete the storyline.

When you experience that aha moment.

When you turn the page, only to discover that there are no more pages and the author's left you with a cliffhanger.

When you can't wait for the next book in the series to come out.

Perhaps it's just me, but I love the combination of eagerness and revelation that's found in the final pages of a story. And what's neat is, thanks to Christ, we can experience that same sensation whether we're avid readers or not.

Friends, when we give our hearts to Jesus, we are entering into a magnificent story that spans beyond time itself. We're being adopted by the Alpha and Omega, the Beginning and End (Rom 8:15, Rev 22:13).

This means that His story - of creation, redemption, salvation - becomes ours.

If you've been going through some challenging times, like me, then I hope this gives you immense comfort: we may not know the next chapters in our lives - maybe not even the next few pages - but since we are one with Christ, we know how our stories will end (1 Cor 6:17)

Sorrow will be no more, pain will be no more (Rev 21:4-5). All that will be left is His Light... and the joy, revelation, eagerness, peace, abundant life that He brings.

We will be walking with Him, our Great Author, for all eternity.

If that doesn't fill us up with a sense of wonder, I don't know what will.