It Came to Pass

“Take care of yourself, have a good time, and make the most of whatever job you have for as long as God gives you life.” Ecclesiastes 5:18(TM)

Most things, good or bad, are not permanent. No wonder the phrase “it came to pass” shows up hundreds of times in Scripture because life is a continuum of change. Accepting that will not only help you handle the bad times but stop you from clinging so tightly to the good ones.

Here are three principles to help you get the most joy out of the journey:

1) Treat every day as a gift

“…have a good time…for as long as God gives you life...” Even though you will always be moving toward another goal or objective, learn to squeeze every ounce of joy out of the present. Don’t let life slip away while you are waiting for the next big event.

2) Appreciate the little things

They are all around you – the delight on a child’s face, the love of a friend, a good night’s sleep, a kind deed, a fresh insight. When you appreciate what you have, it multiplies. So be grateful for the little things and God will give you even more to appreciate. (see Matthew 25:23).

3) Don’t buy the “forever” and “never” lies

There are two lies you should never buy into. One is the “forever” lie which says your situation will never improve. The other is the “never: lie which says that if things get worse, you will never be able to handle them. Both are distortions. Remember that oft repeated phrase in God’s Word: “it came to pass”: “To every thing there is a season…” (Ecclesiastes 3:1 AMP). Endings bring new beginnings!

Keep trusting God even if you are under a cloud right now – it will eventually give way to sunshine!

(c)2006 Timothy L. Hudson, UGA Christian Campus Fellowship