“I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.” (Philippians 4:12-13 NIV)
In several movies that I have watched, especially the ones that end and leave you hanging in terms of what happens next, I’m prompted to say, “Was that the end of the movie?” At times, this question is answered before or after the credits are shown by means of an epilogue that discloses what happened to the people, places, or the physical setting in the future. I don’t know about you, but with my curiosity senses awakened, I walk up to the screen with my bifocals on to make sure I can read the brief, personal epilogues of each main character speedily racing across the screen.
Epilogues are interesting and I’m sure your personal epilogue will be too. However, as it relates to you, I won’t necessarily be able to know your personal epilogue at the end of your story. I’m not concerned about the credits; for who can take credit for resolving something that needed God’s intervention and therefore, certainly all praises will go to Him. However, I am curious about your personal epilogue. I’m wondering what it will say at the end of, not the movie, but let’s say, at the end of this week’s edition of your life story.
I wonder if I were to read your personal epilogue early this coming Sunday for this present week, would it be like the Apostle Paul’s statement that followed his experiences, as expressed in the opening verse. Or will it be like a certain lame man who was healed by Peter through the power of God at the temple gate as seen in the closing verse?
Oh, I will never know, but I’m sure your personal epilogue will include, “He/she made it and is still holding on to their faith and pressing upward!” or “Goodness and mercy was still following her/him all the days of her/his life!” Or “He/she entered on every new opportunity that was given; he/she boldly approached the throne of our gracious God in prayer.” Maybe your personal epilogue will be something like, “She/he kept saying, ‘When I think about the goodness of God and all He has done for me, my soul cries out hallelujah!’” Then there is always the possibility that your personal epilogue will be in the form of reports where others overheard you saying, “God brought me through this and that…this, this, this and that!” What will your personal epilogue be at the end of this week? Well, don’t wait for the end of the week epilogue, start practicing, or better yet performing, or still even better, pressing on the upward way. Today. Be blessed!
“With a leap he stood upright and began to walk; and he entered the temple with them, walking and leaping and praising God. And all the people saw him walking and praising God…” (Acts 3:8-9 NASB)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
Amen, My will said she “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.. Keep hold on to God’s unchanging hand.. Be Blessed
My epilogue may say something in this fashion, “I need Thee, oh I need Thee; every hour, I need Thee. Stay Thou nearby; Temptations lose their power When Thou art nigh. Oh I need Thee.”
We all need to embrace “your” epilogue Dr. King! Be blessed!