The Story Isn't Over

My friend, Don Ryan from Ohio, wrote a transparent post recently about his place in life right now called "I go a fishing." I felt to contact him and let him know that the story is not over. He kindly contacted me back and thought I might want to post this to encourage others who may be in the same position right now. Some of the comments are to him personally, but much of it could be applied to all children of God. Our Lord continues to write our story with twists, tragedies, mysteries, and surprises.

We can all be encouraged that all of our stories will end in a beautiful eternal life if we continue to trust Him.

I am writing to let you know that the story is not over - and life is not a short story. I am a fan of short stories because I do not like to take a long time in reading. I want to get to the point and do it fast. I really feel that right now you are in the midst of what is called the "exposition" or the beginning of the story- where the author "sets the stage." I oftentimes want to skip or skim that beginning part to get to the meat of the plot...but when I do, I miss some of the key elements and then cannot understand what is happening when I get closer to the end.

I know the pain of disappointment and the bruising of the ego. I don't write today to be a know-it-all, but as a friend. I believe in you and from the first time I met you, I knew that you had what it takes to be a great man of God. After reading your writings, I have often wished to think as quickly and sharp as you do. You have an insight that is superb and a charisma that God can use mightily. You do have a servant's heart and that is what this road requires. Although you are being reassigned, I believe that God has something that is fit just for you. The story isn't over, for you or the church you left.

Keep your head up and your eyes on the lookout for the "new thing" God is wanting to do through you and your family...

Isaiah 43
1 But now thus saith the LORD that created thee, O Jacob, and he that formed thee, O Israel, Fear not: for I have redeemed thee, I have called thee by thy name; thou art mine.
2 When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.
3 For I am the LORD thy God, the Holy One of Israel, thy Saviour: I gave Egypt for thy ransom, Ethiopia and Seba for thee.
4 Since thou wast precious in my sight, thou hast been honourable, and I have loved thee: therefore will I give men for thee, and people for thy life.
5 Fear not: for I am with thee: I will bring thy seed from the east, and gather thee from the west;
6 I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from far, and my daughters from the ends of the earth;
7 Even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him.
8 Bring forth the blind people that have eyes, and the deaf that have ears.
9 Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled: who among them can declare this, and shew us former things? let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth.
10 Ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, and my servant whom I have chosen: that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he: before me there was no God formed, neither shall there be after me.
11 I, even I, am the LORD; and beside me there is no saviour.
12 I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore ye are my witnesses, saith the LORD, that I am God.
13 Yea, before the day was I am he; and there is none that can deliver out of my hand: I will work, and who shall let it?
14 Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry is in the ships.
15 I am the LORD, your Holy One, the creator of Israel, your King.
16 Thus saith the LORD, which maketh a way in the sea, and a path in the mighty waters;
17 Which bringeth forth the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as tow.
18 Remember ye not the former things, neither consider the things of old.
19 Behold, I will do a new thing; now it shall spring forth; shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the wilderness, and rivers in the desert.

This is a long reading, but I felt it on my heart and I didn't want to put it all in your blog comments! Keep on fishing, but keep your eyes looking up. He is coming with a miracle in His hands...more than you can believe.

No matter what any of you are going through right now, the story isn't over! He, along with us, is still working to complete the book of our life. I am trying to do my part to keep the ending right.