As the study of Daniel came to a close today I found the title Beth gave ironic, “Time Gives Way To Eternity.” (Moore – Daniel Lives of Integrity Words of Prophecy) What is the end, really becomes the beginning. So many times in life we get so caught up in the ending, and look at it as a bad thing.

What if we changed our perspective and instead said,

“This is just the beginning for a new thing!” In Revelation Jesus says, “Look! I am making everything new.” (Rev. 21:5a HCSB)

Even Daniel, as the book closes in chapter twelve, is told by God, “As for you go on your way to the end, you will rest, then…” (Dn. 12:13a HCSB). The word “then” indicates a next thing, something else, and it’s not over. What is it in your life that appears, by all the surrounding circumstances, to be the end?

In my life I have had several things that I thought was the end, however given some time it was not. When one job would end and I would think, I’ll never find another job, one would present itself. When a relationship would end, another would begin. Maybe not right away, which is a good thing. You may be thinking, well it was the end because of a death. I cannot say if that person will be in heaven or not and you will see them again, only God knows. What I can say to you is:

“Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved. There is no favoritism with God.” (Ro. 10:13 & Ro. 2:11 HCSB)

Isn’t that refreshing! Everyone! No favoritism! In my family my brothers and I have a joke with our parents that one of us is the favorite. Since I am the only girl, my line is “I am the favorite daughter!” Of course by reverse logic, as my youngest brother likes to point out, the opposite would also be true. I’d be the least favorite, ha-ha! Either way, there’s a favorite. Our mother, like any other mother, takes the politically correct route by saying each of us is her favorite by position in the family, or by career. That’s safe because there’s only one oldest, one middle, and one youngest, and we each have our own careers. One is not better or more loved than the other. The same is with God – no favorites.

As life moves us through our planned out journey each step builds on the other. As we go through twists, turns, trials, and triumphs we take with us a piece of that experience into the next place, path, and purpose. Take a moment to reflect on your life. What have you learned, and gained, from each experience? Did you think at a particular moment –this is the end? Yet, you are still here.

Earlier this week, I will share with you, it was not good for me. I was feeling like everything was hopeless. I called one of my best friends and shared my frustrations, thoughts, and feeling with her. Since I know her and the struggles she has, I knew she would agree with me. That’s what I was looking for. I can’t be the only one that knows who to call when I want someone on my side. I wasn’t looking for encouragement. The invitation was to join in on my pity party. Can you relate? Do you do the same thing? Can I just tell you, I had my party hooked up! Balloons, streamers, confetti – it was an all-out event full of “woe is me’s,” and I had someone to join me! Together we were having one of the best pity parties until – another One showed up.

This is what happens when a child of God throws a fit, and thinks it’s the end. The Holy Spirit in the midst of the party interceded, in the weak moment of: woe is me, all is lost, it’s the end – He shows up “and helps us in our weakness.” (Ro. 8:26a NLT). At that the party was over, and she and I laughed! Our sorrow turned to joy! Oh don’t get me wrong the troubles are still there. Just not as prevalent because

“We know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.” (Ro. 8:28 NLT).

God has no favorites, and in fact waited for two of His children to get together before intervening and ending the pity party. Your sorrow will turn to joy, as a new thing begins.

When we find our self in the wilderness, and the forest thick before us, with darkness surrounding, dig deep in the recess of our memory and proclaim,

“forget all that (whatever is in front of you, behind you, covering you) – it is nothing compared to what I am going to do. For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun (by ending what was)! Do you not see it?” (Isa. 43:18-19a NLT parenthesis mine)

So what we think is the end is really the beginning.

Dear one, like Daniel, your story is not over. Girlfriend, guy friend, we have eternity ahead of us. The time with God will be for an eternity. How do you even begin to measure that? I am such a goal-oriented, people person, that given any opportunity to make a list, and I’m on it! I’m your girl! Thinking of eternity for me, gives me time to make quite the to-do list, and sitting at the top will rest these words:

“Then the One seated on the throne said, “Look! I am making everything new.” (Rev. 21:5a HCSB)

©Gentle Whisper Ministries 2014 – re-post, edited, Dec. 2016

*picture by thehappinesszone, deviantart, webmastergrade