Joy on the Other Side

There’s something about the eyes of Jesus. I was recently feeling quite brokenhearted about someone close and dreams that had fallen flat. Life can disappoint. People can disappoint. We have all disappointed others.

But there’s something about the face of Love. In His face, there is such depth. No one has lost more than God. He “lost” the whole human race. No one knows grief more intimately than God. He bore our pains, griefs, weaknesses, distress, and diseases (Isaiah 53:4).

Hope deferred may make the heart sick, BUT desired fulfilled is a tree of life (Proverbs 13:12).

Hope also does not disappoint because the love of God has been shed abroad in our hearts (Romans 5:5). The AMPC version actually says:

Such hope never disappoints or deludes or shames us, for God’s love has been poured out in our hearts through the Holy Spirit Who has been given to us.

We always have reason to hope because we place that hope in the Person of Love and His finished work and Love never fails! It may not look like we thought. But it will eventually look like redemption one way or the other.

One way or the other, we win. That is one reason why there is such a great cloud of witnesses cheering us on. They have seen the other side. They have an eternal perspective. Joy cannot be suppressed!

Hebrews 12:1-4 (NIV) says:

Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, ² fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.³ Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.

So whatever is hindering you, throw it off! Whatever is causing you to stumble, throw it off. Lock your eyes on the eyes of Jesus. He authored the faith you started with, He will finish it. There’s too much joy on the other side to give up now! Disappointment is the seedbed for re-appointment and for an upgrade. Let Love joyfully do His work!

 

Akiane Kramarik

 

For more on how Love takes negative situations and hurts in your life, to bring healing and restoration, be sure to download my free mini book, “Rare and Beautiful Treasures”.