We know that the same God who raised our Lord Jesus will also raise us with Jesus and present us to himself along with you. All of these things are for your benefit. And as God’s grace brings more and more people to Christ, there will be great thanksgiving, and God will receive more and more glory. That is why we never give up. Though our bodies are dying, our spirits are being renewed every day.… For the troubles we see will soon be over, but the joys to come will last forever.

A favorite phrase used many times in the Bible is “and it came to pass”.  That pretty much describes people and events in our lives. Everyone and everything we experience is with us for a season. Are you having a rough time? It will pass.  Are things going great in your life? That too will pass. Each day is a new opportunity to pass through life’s many hurts, pains, loves and blessings.

We read books to our children that start out “once upon a time” and end with “they lived happily ever after”.  In between the characters face troubles and conflicts. We have a story promised us by God.  It starts out “and it came to pass you are born” and it concludes with “we will be raised to Jesus and our joys to come will last forever”.  In between we experience many trials and troubles as well as love and happiness but in the end will be the ultimate happiness. We will be with Jesus.