In the early days of World War II, Britain was nearly blown off the map by the constant bombardment of the German blitzkrieg. Finally, in the fall of 1942, the Allied forces began turning the tide in their war with the Nazis. In addressing his countrymen, Winston Churchill made this interesting observation: “Now this is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end; but is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.”
Like an unread novel, life has many chapters. We cannot resolve life’s intricate plot by reading only its first chapter. Only God knows the end from the beginning (Is. 46:10). So, as we go through life, we must trust completely in an all-knowing God who causes “all things to work together for good to those who love [Him]…” (Rm. 8:28).
As we rise from whatever trial or hardship that has beset us – as we pick ourselves up and get on with our lives – we must remember that there are yet other chapter to be written. “This is not the end. It is not even the beginning of the end; but is, perhaps, the end of the beginning.” How sad to take off the armor before the war has been won!
We must be faithful until the end (Rev. 2:10). It is not enough to begin well; be must finish strong. “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised” (Heb. 10:36).
As long as life persists, we have need of faith. We serve a God who holds the future in His hands. Let us trust Him always – especially as we contemplate chapters yet unwritten. Then, on that glorious resurrection day it may truly be said of us that the “end…is better than its beginning” (Eccl. 7:8).
— Glen Elliott —