When The Voyage of the Dawn Treader came to theaters and a friend gave us two-for-one coupons we decided to take the kids to see it--an unprecedented treat! However, the decision wasn't made without some hesitation. We knew there would be some fairly intense scenes. My son scoffs at my concern that he could possibly be frightened, but we've sat up many a night with one of the girls after watching a movie that was a bit too much for her. She insisted she would be fine.
Sure enough, she was. Through all the excitement and drama, we sat with wide-eyed enjoyment until the final climatic struggle with the sea serpent. My little one buried her face in my shoulder a few times, but never for long. She would inevitably be drawn back by her longing to see this huge enemy defeated. After the movie, I expressed my surprise that she was able to watch all of that action.
"It was okay, Mom. I was a little bit afraid, but I knew the end of the story," she declared with enthusiasm.
I know the end of the story.
Sometimes I get afraid. And weary. Sometimes it seems like that serpent is beating me down. Or taking out people I care about. It'd be easy to give into discouragement, despair, or even outright panic! But I know the end of the story. I need to remind myself of what is going to happen.
"Don't be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one.
I died, but look--I am alive forever and ever!
And I hold the keys of death and the grave...
It has come at last--salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God...
The accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down...
they have defeated him...
Look, God's home is now among his people!
He will wipe every tear from their eyes,
and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.
All these things are gone forever.
Look, I am making everything new!
There will no longer be a curse upon anything.
Come.
Let anyone who is thirsty come.
Come, Lord Jesus!"
I died, but look--I am alive forever and ever!
And I hold the keys of death and the grave...
It has come at last--salvation and power and the Kingdom of our God...
The accuser of our brothers and sisters has been thrown down...
they have defeated him...
Look, God's home is now among his people!
He will wipe every tear from their eyes,
and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain.
All these things are gone forever.
Look, I am making everything new!
There will no longer be a curse upon anything.
Come.
Let anyone who is thirsty come.
Come, Lord Jesus!"
Reading these words strengthens me and I'm ready to reenter the fray with a shout of victory!!
Today we hang a new calendar. Twelve pages of the unknown. But I'm not afraid--I know the end of the story!
Unknown.... I don't know, my calendar seems pretty full already. :P
ReplyDeleteThat aside, I know what you mean. I've been looking forward to this post. Thanks!
MM
I absolutely had goosebumps reading this post!
ReplyDeleteOur family is also knowledgeable about Narnia, and also had a family movie night in the theatre last week.
I once wrote an article about "the end of the story" and my experience sitting in a historic church full of stained glass on a brilliantly sunny Good Friday. We have such confidence because of Jesus Christ; I join you in your shout of victory! Hebrews 10:19-25
very encouraging. Definetly something I needed to read today. Thanks. Roselyn
ReplyDeleteI always get your post when I need it. Love you sister, and thanks for your beautiful brave warrior heart! VICTORY!
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