For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.
1 Thessalonians 5:9–10 CSB

Don’t you love a happy ending? I sure do. There’s great satisfaction in immersing ourselves in a story that ends well. The victim rescued, justice served, and the hero triumphantly overcomes. Yet, sometimes in real life, we wonder if “happily ever after” actually exists.

Perhaps the constant pressure to get it all done––while feeling like we’re floundering to do so––or unexpected trouble, heartache, or loss, can leave us longing for certainty of a happy ending. The good news is that salvation through Jesus guarantees that our triumphant finale will come!

In 2 Thessalonians 5:9–10, Paul teaches that you have a present hope and future hope. The Thessalonians experienced persecution, uncertainty, and fear of the future. Like you and I, they needed to know their salvation was secure and that they didn’t need to fear Christ’s return. They wanted assurance of a good ending to their story.

Paul offers this assurance by reminding the church––and you and I––that God hasn’t destined His children to punishment, suffering, and trouble forever. Jesus’ death and resurrection completed our salvation. We don’t have to rely on our own efforts to create a good ending to our story. This knowledge can spark hope and peace in our Savior.

Christ’s love, compassion, and mercy willingly led Him to the cross to lay down His life so that we could cross the bridge that divided us from the Father. Our happy ending is only found in Jesus who understands our heart’s longing for a happily ever after. He declared to the disciples, “I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. Be courageous! I have conquered the world” (John 16:33).

Jesus, our Hero, is the winner forever!

And it doesn’t matter if we’re alive or in the grave when Jesus comes to wrap up this world’s story; we don’t have to fear His return. Instead, we can rejoice in the hope of His coming because Christ’s return means we’ll see Him face-to-face and live victoriously with Him forever.

No matter what your story looks like right now, as God’s child, you’re guaranteed an ending far better than you could ever imagine. Your future is bright and filled with glory!

Ponder

Take a moment to thank the Lord for the assurance of living happily ever after with Him. How does this give hope to your heart now and in the future?