Hi, this is Joni Eareckson Tada, and welcome today to Joni and Friends.
And welcome to the beginning of a new week – this past weekend my friend Judy and I were doing some shopping, and we closed out the afternoon by heading down to Barnes and Noble. Oh sure, for a good cup of Starbucks and a newspaper, but basically to browse for new books -- we love to spend time in bookstores. Now after coffee, I’ll usually head for the history section, or the section that has art books, then I might move to the children’s department. From there I might glance at cookbooks or history books. But no matter where I wheel in Barnes and Noble, I always know where I can find Judy. She loves mysteries.
Now, I may purchase a book if I like how the dust jacket reads, or if I know the author, or if I’ve read a good review or so-and-so has written an endorsement. But Judy decides to buy books by reading the last few pages. Now, why anyone would want to read an ending first is beyond me. I mean, how can she enjoy it when she knows how it’s all going to come out – especially a mystery! When I asked Judy where she picked up her peculiar reading habit, she told me that, for her, the suspense wasn’t in the conclusion, but in how the writer handled the story. Knowing the ending enhanced the book and took away a lot of nervousness for her.
Well, Judy is not alone. Because listen to this Scripture in Isaiah 46 starting with the ninth verse. It says, “I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and there is none like me. I make known the end from the beginning, from ancient times, what is still to come. I say: My purpose will stand, and I will do all that I please.” Wow! I mean come on, right there, God says he makes known the end and he’s done it from the very beginning. In fact, he’s even written in the Bible the very last chapter of history. Like Judy, we already know how it’s all going to turn out. And I think God makes the end known because he wants to encourage us. He doesn’t want us to be fearful or be anxious. There’s no need to worry – he’s given us not just a sneak little preview, but boy, I tell you, he’s laid it all out right there in Scripture.
And that’s so good of God to do that. The story of your life and mine is so enhanced when all is going to turn out well for you. It really will be all well. He wants you to know this from the very first chapter of our life. And get this: the ending of your story has been declared from the beginning. And it reads this way: in your life, Jesus wins! Not the devil, not your circumstances, not that cancer or bad medical report or my spinal cord injury – no! You and I have assurance that it will all turn out okay. God has not left you and me in suspense about the conclusion of our lives. We’ve got every confidence that it’s going to be cloaked in his love and it will include heaven – and friend, you couldn’t ask for a happier ending!
And lest we forget this wonderful lesson, I’d like to give you several Scripture bookmarks for you to tuck into your books when you read – these three bookmarks not only include my line artwork, but a favorite verse of mine, a verse of Scripture to help remind you that it really does have a happy ending, this life of ours as Christians. Oh, maybe not that book you’re working on, but you know… life has a happy ending; Jesus wins; and what could be better?! For your three Scripture bookmarks, visit me at joniandfriendsradio.org or call toll free at 888-522-5664. And finally, remember what that wonderful verse from Isaiah 46 says, “God makes known the end from the beginning.” And, friend, his purpose is that you rejoice in the happy ending he has written into the story of your life!
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