“Fight the good fight of faith...before many witnesses.” I Timothy 6:12
How many of us are old enough to recall the wonderful world of read-along books? The story book setting where we were read to by a voice on cassette tape (might have to explain that one to your children or grands!) as we held the brilliantly illustrated book in our pudgy, little fingers.
Remember this? “You‘ll know it’s time to turn the page when you hear a sound like this: “Dinggg!”
How marvelous it was indeed! If we weren’t quite accomplished readers, we could be read to without the assistance of an adult in the room. Life changing, technological breakthrough for us kids who loved story time. Wait a minute! Was “technological” even a word back then?
Anyhow, we enjoyed a lot of books this way back in the day. We might not have read the words but we scanned the pictures and dreamed big while we were being read to.
Then, we grew up and there were no longer read-along books...until technology really did make it happen again with audio books.
Can you remember being so excited about the story unfolding that you could hardly wait to turn the page to see what happened next?
Forward, to our adulthood.
We are all living within the pages of a story. Some pages are exciting and full of life; we can’t wait to see what’s next. Then, there are some pages where the story line is slow, deliberate and not nearly as exciting. Yes, there are even some pages filled with just black and white illustrations with no words attached, where the story just seems to come to a halt.
My friend, we find these types of pages in every story.
The Author loves us too much not to give us this variety.
How would we ever be so excited about turning the good pages in the story if we didn’t read through the darker, scarier ones?
Some chapters of life just go along completely as planned - beautiful days with bright sunshine and picnics. They’re calm, soothing and enjoyable. That doesn’t make a good story though! As much as we enjoy the good times...
Everyone knows the best of stories have conflicts.
There must be something, someone or a problem to overcome, why else would we need a hero? Problems and dark pages are made for heroes. Some chapters need situations that make us catch our breath and bring us to to the edge of our seats wondering what will happen next.
DING!!
Sure, life can get pretty complicated at moments. Some days are dark and stormy. Some seasons don’t bring about much beauty and life.
There may be grief from the loss of loved ones, miscarriages, health and relational problems, financial woes, spiritually dry valleys or wayward children. Yes, I’ve lived through those chapters. Are you thinking of your dark chapters? What are they? Don’t be ashamed to name them; they’re necessary for our story to be a masterpiece.
I know we often long for the “ding”, the moment when the season changes and we can turn the page. That’s understandable for us fragile, here-and-now humans. I think of Biblical characters like Moses, David, Naomi, Peter and even Jesus. There were times of struggle in each of their lives when I’m sure they anxiously awaited the opportunity to turn the page they were on. Yet, they endured and we can do the same. The same Author who wrote their stories is penning yours and mine too. Right. This. Very. Second.
When the timing is right, we’ll all hear the “ding” and we’ll gather all the lessons and strength we’ve gained on that page and turn to the next page embracing new insight, greater perseverance and renewed faith. That’s what our story is all about. If we’re not learning and growing, we’re dead.
If we find ourselves waiting eagerly to turn the page, hold tight, right where you are and let’s learn what we’re on this page for. Someone shared this with me:
It’s not why me? It’s what for, Lord?
Remembering that we will never appreciate the next page without fully experiencing the page we’re on will help us in so many ways. There must be bad to be a good. There must be down to be an up. There must be dark to be light. Let’s suck every bit of divinely ordained growth from each chapter and page. It will be worth it!
Faith is strengthened on the darkest pages of our lives and testimonies grace the remaining pages.
How we overcame, what obstacles we faced and survived, where we experienced life-changing revelation and felt the purest joy...are all elements of the greatest stories told. Be encouraged no matter where you find yourself today. This Author can write us into, through and out of any dilemma.
DING!
Just like that, with our soiled and battle-worn hands, we will turn the page and stand there, strong as a lion, roaring for glorious victory. For what’s better than hearing “once upon a time”? How about, “and they lived happily ever after.” That’s our promise if we’re abiding in the Lord.
God’s got us right where He thinks is best for us and will work all things together for our good and His glory.
DING!
Excellent words!
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