Peace in Knowing the Author

Little Golden Books made their debut in 1942, their colorful pages full of characters who learned important lessons worth passing on to children everywhere. In the middle of the story books, the animals, or children, cars or tugboats withing the pages would find themselves going through twists and turns, making their way through situations and finding in the end that they had learned a valuable lesson that the author knew all along.   And  the little readers learned right along with those characters.

The Poky Little Puppy learned obedience after missing out on his favorite dessert of strawberry shortcake. The Little Red Hen couldn’t find a helping hand when she prepared her staples for baking, but everyone wanted something to eat when the work was done. When she gave them none,  the other animals learned the rewards of working together to enjoy the finished product as they watched her enjoy her treats alone. Little Scuffy the Tugboat grew tired of the bathtub he floated in, desiring to experience adventure on the rolling river. But once there, dodging the bigger boats and trying to manage the current, he learned to value his place and do what he was designed to do.

Knowing the end from the beginning isn’t always part of the experience. Life tends to take us along for its twists and turns like the little tugboat, as we try to navigate. Others are not always willing to help us along the way, and we find ourselves working alone like a little hen! We often learn obedience by painful lessons just like the little spotted puppy who couldn’t resist temptation.  Thankfully, we can trust the Author and Finisher of our faith to know the end from the beginning:

“Remember [carefully] the former things [which I did] from ages past;
For I am God, and there is no one else; I am God, and there is no one like Me,
Declaring the end and the result from the beginning, And from ancient times the things which have not [yet] been done, Saying, ‘My purpose will be established,
And I will do all that pleases Me and fulfills My purpose,’   Isaiah 46:9-10

The bible teaches us that our times are in God’s Hands. His purpose for our life is always the best, and we can rest in this truth. Take heart when facing uncertainty–remember that peace comes from knowing the Author.