This week I attended the funeral of a young man whom many would say passed away far too early. It was a sad service in many respects but one where my heart was stirred and touched in a way I did not expect. During the time of worship, we sang one of my favorite praise songs. It was, however, not one I expected to sing in this setting. The words to the bridge are:

       I know how the story ends

       We will be with you again

       You’re my Savior, my defense

       No More fear in life or death

       I know how this story ends

Death is hard. No matter who, no matter the circumstances, death is hard. I think that’s because we were not created with death in mind. God’s intention for us did not include mortality. Neither did He intend for the cares, anxieties and sicknesses that resulted from sin to weigh on us physically and emotionally to the point that our bodies and minds collapse. Unfortunately, the story of our lives is under the curse of The Fall and therefore takes tragic and devastating twists and turns. The plot is distorted, and we are often caused to wonder if the Great Author has written a tragedy instead of a “happily ever after” narrative.

You may have been at a place of questioning that yourself. I must admit, I have been. Actually, I was this week. But then, I heard myself singing these words: “I know how the story ends; we will be with you again.” Regardless of where we are in the storyline, no matter how confusing and dire the circumstances may seem, the truth is that The Grand Storyteller is working out the details of the plot in such a way that the ending is amazing, miraculous and good. In His incredibly gracious way, God has allowed us to read the end of the story. And unlike with our favorite novel or mystery, knowing the ending doesn’t spoil anything. Instead, it gives us hope.

The question is, do you know how the story ends? If you do, then don’t despair. The resolution is coming…and it will be good…for we will live with Him again. The apostle Paul knew the ending and so he wrote, “O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?”