This Too Shall Pass

Teesha* was my waitress as I ate at Barrio Cafe in the Phoenix Airport while waiting for my flight to El Paso.  As she refilled my lemonade I noticed a tattoo on her neck, “this too shall pass.” When she brought me my bill I asked her if she would tell me the story behind those four words.  She immediately shared that she had a rare blood disorder and had almost died on numerous occasions.  While wiping her forehead in the hospital, her mother would often say to her, “This too shall pass.”  
 

Meditation 
Psalm 73:26—My flesh and my heart may fail, but God is the strength of my heart, my portion forever.
 
A tattooed statement addresses an ever present crisis but a larger question looms.  What is the strength of Teesha’s heart?  Truly, sooner or later, flesh and blood will fail.  Permanent ink fades and we all die.  Yes, this too shall pass.  According to Scripture we all have another life.  Will we live forever separated from the presence of God because He was not the strength of our heart?  If so, then the pain of His judgment will sting endlessly.  If, however, He is our portion—the One upon whom we rely, we have a glorious future forged on the word of Jesus who said, “I assure you: Anyone who hears my word and believes Him who sent Me has eternal life and will not come under judgment but has passed from death to life” (John 5:24).     

Adversities will end.  Life on earth as we know it with highs and lows will vanish.  So how great is it to know that Jesus takes passing to surpassing! Understanding this gives us the courage to persevere through whatever trials we face because we are devoted to our Maker.  
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“For the eyes of the LORD range throughout the earth to show Himself strong for those whose hearts are completely His” (2 Chronicles 16:9a).
 
Inspiration
Suffering grafts our heart to grace.—Dan Allender in  Leading With A Limp
 
*Not her real name
 
©2014 Daniel York  ARR.  Reveration is the weekly devotional ministry of First Cause.  If you would like to receive these devotionals go to www.firstcause.org and click on the “Click here to receive weekly devotionals” box. Unlimited permission to copy this devotional without altering text or profiteering is allowed subject to inclusion of this copyright notice.      
 
Ecclesiastes 12:10-The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and to accurately write words of truth.  (Holman CSB)