"For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." Jeremiah 29:11

How is it that one is able to endure trials, suffering, or times of extreme loneliness? What makes those times "bearable"? It is the expected end. Knowing the end result gives courage to face the pain. Is it worth 12 hours of labor to bring forth a child? Is it worth 3 years of orthodontic work to have straight teeth? Is it worth years of intense training to win an Olympic medal? There are those who would answer a hearty "yes!" to those questions.

But what if the end result is unknown? What then? That is when faith kicks in and you look to the Lord who says "I know!" He spoke these words to a nation of people who were held captive in a foreign land. Doomsday prophets predicted they would never return to their homeland. But God reminded them that His good and peaceable thoughts were still with them, that He knew the expected end which He would give them. In the meantime, He told them to continue on with day-to-day business, seek peace, pray to the Lord. (vs. 4-7)

This reminds me of something one of my Bible teachers told me years ago that I have never forgotten. At the time I thought it sounded really strange. She said "Don't waste your suffering." To always be looking back wishing for former days will not only lead to discouragement, but will rob me of the blessing of living this day and learning the lessons God has for me. Whatever purpose God has in the valleys can only be found there. It is enough for me to know that He knows the expected end.

To our prayer partners, I want to say "thanks" once again. The pain Malcom was experiencing earlier this week is gone. I know it is because of your prayers. Among other things these days he is able to do some work on a college course he is preparing to teach. We look forward to the day when we can return to our adopted "homeland" of Taiwan. Keep praying!