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For now…


Today in kids’ church, we finished up our series on Psalm 23. The final verse is a great promise:

Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever. (Psalm 23:6)

It’s always ironic to me that God gives me just what I need exactly when I need it. Today, you see, I am struggling in my body. I don’t share much about my physical struggle because it pales in comparison to the maladies that others face. Still, pushing through pain is no easy task. In fact, I have spent much of the weekend resting and trying to force my physical body back into feeling well again. 

This morning, as I began speaking the promise of goodness and mercy over the lives of those sweet children, Heavenly Father reminded me that His goodness and mercy are constantly in pursuit of me. Even when my body fails me, God is good. Even in pain, He is faithful. The temporary groaning of this life can’t compare to the eternity of dwelling in the house of the Lord with no pain, suffering, or sadness.

To be honest, this is why I can boast about my weakness. For this reason, I can look ahead to the things that God has in store for me and know that my suffering here is so very temporary. In light of eternity, this is just a small pit stop.

Perhaps you struggle with a serious chronic illness. Be encouraged today that goodness and mercy are chasing after you. The Lord Himself prepares a place for us, and one day, we will be rid of these bodies that ache and struggle. For now, we wait until that glorious day.

© Jill Cook and Unbroken & Undone Ministries.  All rights reserved.


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