A friend wrote, “As I reflect on the past four semesters of student life, so many things have changed . . . It is scary, really scary. Nothing lasts forever . . . Things just changed without much notification or maybe I just wasn’t aware.”
Indeed, many things can be altered in 2 years, like a career change, newfound friendship, illness, death—you name it. Life-altering experiences wait just around the corner.
“Nothing lasts forever” is both a disconcerting as well as comforting thought. It disturbs in times of peace, and consoles in the depths of affliction.
To comfort the exiles in Babylon, the prophet Isaiah proclaimed that the mighty Babylonians would not stay strong forever. He wrote, ”People are like the grass. Their beauty fades as quickly as the flowers in a field” (Isaiah 40:6). As powerful as the Babylonians were, they resembled the flowers in Palestine that would flourish after the rain in April or May, but fade overnight when the hot winds blew.
But in contrast, the “word of our God stands forever” (Isaiah 40:8). God’s Word has survived and thrived generation after generation as a living and powerful book in the lives of millions of people. The reason is simple. God is eternal, and He’s faithful. He doesn’t grow tired, for His strength is endless. He doesn’t change in wisdom, for His knowledge is perfect. God reigns forever and will bring to pass all that He has promised in His Word.
As His sons and daughters, we can live moment by moment in the secure hope that God is causing “everything to work together for the good of those who love [Him]” (Romans 8:28). And why can we cling to God and to His promises? For His Word and His love endure forever (Isaiah 40:8; Psalm 136:1).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: 2 Samuel 12:1-25
More:
Pray Psalm 16:1-11 to God—carefully considering the words and what they speak of Him.
Next:
How well do you handle change? How does the truth that all of life is fleeting, but God’s Word stands forever change the way you look at your present circumstances?
Tom Felten on April 6, 2015 at 10:54 am
Poh Fang, this weekend was another reminder of how fast things can change. After we had attended the Good Friday service at our local church, my wife started to experience excruciating pain in her stomach. The following morning she had emergency surgery and is now recovering. She looked so healthy prior to the rapid onset of her pain and condition. We thank God for how well she’s doing, but are reminded that life, health,—so many things—are fleeting. Praise Him, however, that His love and presence are ever-present and eternal.
Mike Wittmer on April 6, 2015 at 11:06 am
That is great news, Tom. And such an important message, Poh Fang. We must remember this lesson when times are good, so we will be prepared when life takes a turn. Thank God that He never changes. He is our One True Thing.
Ruth O'reilly-smith on April 9, 2015 at 2:59 am
“This too shall pass” is a phrase I often think of in this regard – appreciating the good in my life right now, because it may pass within a moment. And, if I’m going through a difficult time, it’s a wonderful reminder that things will change for the better – eventually. Tom, I’m so glad your wife is getting better – praying for a speedy recovery and for peace for you and your family.