Dear Younger Me,
by Laura Torgerud
Matthew 24:1-22, “All this is but the beginning of the birth pangs.” v. 8
Many times I’ve started to write a letter to the younger me. One I wish I would have read 30+ years ago. Looking back, it’s easy to offer advice to that teenage girl. Life isn’t fair. You’ll face heartache, pain and suffering. This world is hurting too, and that pain will impact you. Everything in this earthly world will pass away – no matter how enduring it seems to be. What should you do when life is hard? Especially when life is hard? Trust, have faith, live with compassion, feel hope, reach out to God – because He’ll always be there. Keep running your race.
While I never received a letter like this as a young girl, I have lived through heartache, pain and suffering. And I’ve certainly witnessed it throughout the world. Even without such a letter, what has gotten me through the suffering? Trust that eternal life awaits. Hope in salvation. Compassion for those hurting and struggling. Faith that because of Jesus, I’m worthy. I’m enough.
This passage of Matthew reminds us that life is indeed full of pain and suffering, as Jesus spells out for us. But ultimately, we are led to the reward of eternal life with Jesus. What a gift worth waiting, and enduring suffering, for.
What letter would you write to the younger you?
How do you endure personal and worldly pain and suffering?
How does this passage give you hope?
Prayer
God, this is the day you have made.
Come now Lord Jesus, so I may rejoice and be glad in it.
Come now Lord Jesus, so I may surrender to you my agenda and to-do list.
Come now Lord Jesus, so I may receive today your love from the ones you have blessed to give it to me.
Come now Lord Jesus, so I may share today your love with the ones you have blessed me to give it to.
Come now Lord Jesus, so I, all people, and all creation may be awake and ready for the coming of your Son, Jesus Christ, and the glorious end of days.
Amen
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