This too shall pass.

 

We say this when we’re going through tough times. It reminds us to hold on to hope that our trials will not last forever. It teaches us to not take the good times for granted.

 

While “this to will pass” is not found in the bible, the concept is a common thread throughout biblical teaching. The writer of Ecclesiastes says, “For every thing there is a season and a time for everything under heaven.” Whatever you are experiencing now, be it happiness or sorrow, pleasure or pain, it will not last; it too will pass with time.

 

I remember thinking between my second and third rounds of chemo that my innards would never heal. The chemo wreaked havoc on my mouth, esophagus, stomach and intestines. After two months of daily pain I wondered if this was to be my new normal. But in time, the pain passed. Even as different pains replaced it, I remember being thankful not to have to endure the same pain for a third month.

 

Yet sometimes the same pain or sorrow DOES last for seasons, years, or even a lifetime. What are we to say then? Paul suffered some ongoing ‘thorn in his side.’ After considerable prayer he moved on, accepting it would continue. Still he wrote that his troubles were small compared to the glory that awaits us. In other words, pain and sorrow doesn’t last forever for the follower of Christ. That may seem impossible to grasp when the pain is so intense and when the darkness of the night seems it will never give way to morning. But this too will pass. In fact, Paul writes that not only will our present troubles pass, but they are actually working to create this new glory. Our troubles are the building material that creates future glory. We understand that hard work and perseverance create accomplishments. We can grasp that loving acts build up loving relationships. But pain building up greatness and glory?

 

Glory isn’t a word we often use in every day conversation. It might help to think of it as being held in highest honor. What kind of honor do you think is built up by your suffering? Could it be the honor of faithfulness, perseverance amongst trials, or simple obedience to do what God says? Or is it the magnificent and radiant glory of the perfect God who lives in you, joining you to himself, to his glory?

 

Whatever you face today, turn your eyes from that circumstance and focus on the goodness yet to be revealed by God. Let his presence calm you, his grace sustain you, and his promises give you great hope. . . because this too will pass.

 

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” 2 Corinthians 4: 17-18