No one wants to hear these words,”Nothing can be done.” I have heard them twice in regard to my child and spouse. The giving up of all hope in order to realize that final means final.

Let us turn that one on its head, shall we?

Let’s say I have just published a book that will sell a million copies. Let’s say that nothing could be done about it. That no matter what I did, the sales figures would prove I sold a million books. Let’s say that I had to give up all fear of being a failure. Final means final. I am a success.

Let us turn this one on its head. Are you still with me?

Let’s say that Judas was told that he was going to be given a big part in The Greatest Story Ever Told. That nothing could be done about it. After all, God was in charge of everything. Final meant final. Judas had to betray his master.

Ready for another one?

Let’s say that Jesus was told that His Time had come. That He had to give up all hope in order to realize that He was the Son of God and also The Son of Man. He was told that final was final. Even though he was reported to have asked, “Why hast Thou betrayed me?”

And another twist to explore.

Let’s say that you have hoped all of your adult life that you would not have to die, that you would somehow survive in spite of appearances. That you had to give up all hope of living forever. And let’s say that you came across a Bible verse that said, “This day ye shall be with me in Paradise,” and now you understand that the Bible is not meant to be taken literally but figuratively.

One more thing. Let’s say that you were told that love is all there is. So you had to give up all belief in hatred. Because final means final. Love is a success.

Let’s say that you and I know God because He created us to love one another. So we both gave up all fear of not being loved and loving.

Now let’s just say “amen.”

Vicki Woodyard