“This Side of Eternity” can be the worst of all possible worlds, but it can also be the best. It depends totally on your perspective.
With so much bad news going around these days (I think we could all ring off a long list of terrible things right now) it’s time to focus on some good news — news that is ALWAYS true no matter what is going on on this side of eternity.
Let’s start with the gospel of Jesus Christ that saves us from our sins and reserves a place for us on the other side. And then there is the incredible gift of the Holy Spirit that all believers possess by faith. Scripture says we are sealed with this gift which means sealed tight. No one can take this away. The Holy Spirit is your permanent possession.
And then we are a part of the family of God. We are the body of Christ, and we are each gifted to be a part of this body and to bring something unique to the whole. Each one of us has a contribution to make to the others, and each one of us is in receipt of everyone else’s contribution. In other words, our spiritual gifts are for each other. We are there for each other. We are family. We belong to each other. “For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” (Romans 12:4-5)
And then there is this: When Jesus sent us out to make disciples of all the nations, He concluded that “commissioning” with this statement, “And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” (Matthew 28:20) When I recently read this, I got all choked up. How does that happen? I’ve read and heard that statement countless times in my life, but suddenly it struck me deeply. Strange. I mentioned it to Marti, my wife, and she said the same thing. I think there is so much scary stuff going on right now that we needed this assurance, and this assurance touched us deeply at the core of our being. He is with us and He is going to stay with us “to the very end of the age.” We will never be alone. We will never be abandoned.
That, my friend, is such good news — indeed, the best news, this side of eternity.
And in the in-between time when you feel the pressure coming,
Remember that He loves you and He promises to stay.
John Fischer The Catch 
Absolutely loved reading this from Today’s Catch: “We will never be alone. We will never be abandoned.” Amen!!!
Have you ever wondered why Jesus didn’t just say I am with you always for eternity as opposed to saying He will be with us to the end of the age? We know Jesus will be with us in eternity but there is a reason why He said what He said. He knew that the “god” of this age would make things difficult for His followers and for everyone in general. We will have tribulation here but He will be with us all through it. The promise of His presence through an imperfect age is as meaningful as the promise of eternity.
Excellent!
Amen!
When you feel the pressure coming remember that He loves you and He promises to stay. Jesus himself said “I will never leave or forsake you.” what a promise to stand on when things get tuff.
Right & Amen!
John, I loved this Catch as well. It so happened that our sermon at our home church on Sunday made the same point about the assurance gave us immediately following the great commission. we may feel inadequate, but with the assurance that Jesus is with us, we can certainly do our part.
I loved your listing of good news to focus on during these trying times. I would have added something about being a child of God, or being adopted. Might be something to consider for the Catches this week if you are going to stay on this theme for the week.