Are You at the End?

"After all I have done for You, is this how You let me meet my end?" This is what the Apostle Paul might have asked the Lord as he awaited the end of his life in prison.

Do you also feel like you are at the end? At the end of your strength, at the end of your wisdom, and at the end of peace because it is currently nowhere to be seen in this world?

Paul would have had every reason to be at the end and to fall into self-pity. He said at this point, "For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time for my departure is near.” (2 Timothy 4:6 NIV)

But, in spite of his situation, what did Paul tell Timothy in this letter? He encouraged him! He encouraged him even though he was at the end. Just because he was at the end of himself did not mean he had given up. He said, "Preach the word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction." (2 Timothy 4:2 NIV)

Are you marveling right now like I am?

If I had been in Paul's situation, I don't know if I would have been able to write another letter with my hands shaking, let alone write such words!

And if I had my cell phone with me, I probably would have posted, "Help, save me! I don't feel God, I think He has forgotten me."

Paul's faith did not rest on his feelings or his circumstances. Paul's faith rested on his strong personal relationship with Jesus. And because of that, he experienced a peace that you can't describe. You can only experience it for yourself when you're "at the end."

To experience that peace is beyond words! Sometimes we have to be "at the end" to have the assurance that God means every word!

"Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me." (John 14:1 NIV)

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you…" (John 14:27 NIV)

To you He gives His peace!

You are a miracle!

Déborah

P.S. The texts of this reading come from the daily email A Miracle Every Day. If you would like to receive a daily encouragement, I invite you to subscribe to A Miracle Every Day.