The End

Have you ever looked upon someone and had great admiration for them?  Maybe it is someone that is a business or financial success?  Maybe it is someone that walks in the power of God in their daily life?  Or maybe you have payed close attention to marriage that you know is rock-solid?  These people did not get to where they were by mere chance or fate.  If you were to sit down and talk to them you would probably find out how much they endured to get to where they are now.

They would probably talk about the sacrifices they had to make for the sake of where they wanted to be.  They would tell of late nights they worked.  Or late nights that turned into early mornings consumed with prayer.  They would share with you the comforts laid down in order to ensure a better future than the present they were dealing with.  In essence, if you talked to these people, they would share with you their testimony.

Where they have been, where they were, what God has done and is doing, and where they are now are all parts of their testimony.  They are not discouraged by the places they have been.  Nor are they distracted by the past because that is exactly what it is...the past.  And, wherever you are now, your testimony is being written.

While our testimonies are being written (and not by ourselves, but by the hand of God) it is not always the most pleasant or enjoyable.  In the middle of the trial, the circumstance, the bottom falling out, and the end of your rope it is hard to see how any good could come of it.  You can't see the silver lining and definitely the light at the end of the tunnel.  However, if we continue to remain faithful to God, it is promised that it will work out for OUR good.  Go and read Romans 8:28.

If you were to continue your conversation with the person you admire, you would also find that where they have been and what they have endured makes them who they are today.  They don't despise the path that it took to get them to where they are.  This is not to say that if there was a way for them to gain the success without the pain they would choose the pain.  No one would.  Success without sacrifice is ideal but not realistic.  However, now they are grateful for what they walked through because of what they have.

As you are walking towards marital restoration, marital strengthening, or just standing for what you believe know this....where you are now is not the end.  What you are experiencing is the Author writing your testimony and His pen has not grown weary.  He does not have writer's block and can bring your story full circle and lead you back to the top.  But, it's not about bringing you back to the top; it's about what is going to bring Him the most glory.   What you are dealing with at the current moment is necessary for where you are going.  This isn't the end.  In order for you to carry the anointing He wants to put on you, you have to walk this road.

So, endure this moment with the knowledge that someday...you may not know when or how...all of this will be used for His glory.  If we will focus ourselves on the glory of God, we will be able to endure anything that happens.  Keep standing.

Josh and Serena