There is an End

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.  –James 1:12

Several years back Kari took me on a surprise trip to the French Lick Railroad in Indiana.  It is an historic railroad, and we took a several mile trip in the restored cars.  What was really cool was going through the tunnel.  Apparently once you’re inside the tunnel, you experience complete darkness without any light.  There were kids on the train, and some of them got scared.  As a result, the parents turned on their cell phones to illuminate the situation.  The tunnel didn’t last forever, though, and eventually we were out of the darkness and back into the light.  Life is a little like that when it comes to trials that we face.  They seem so consuming at the time, and it’s hard to withstand them.  In those moments, we need to remind ourselves that they won’t go on forever.  There is, proverbially, a light at the end of the tunnel, and we don’t have to allow ourselves to be defeated and discouraged because we know there is hope.  Whatever trial you are in the midst of today, be encouraged to know that there is an end – even if it’s not in sight yet.  Know that there is a reward waiting for you once you have, with perseverance, endured the test.