The Promises of God Bring Peace

“He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.’” Revelation 21:4 NIV

In a story titled "Milton Keynes runner reaches journey’s end" published yesterday, it was reported that “A British Army veteran who lost his mother to brain cancer has completed a massive marathon challenge to raise funds and help find a cure for the disease. Former soldier Jack Goodwin, from Newton Leys, has spent Christmas resting with his family after completing his 'Megathon Challenge' on the 'Die Hard Marathon' on 23rd December at the city’s Caldecotte Lake. It brought to a close his pledge to run 15 official marathons, plus other races, in one year and cover 2740 kilometres total distance. He raised £2740 which represents £1 for each kilometre he covered and is the amount it costs to fund a day of research at a Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence. MKFM revealed earlier this month how Jack, 37, was running in memory of 61-year-old mum Debbie Goodwin who died of a glioblastoma (GBM) in February 2023 just six months after she was diagnosed. Father-of-one Jack took on the role of Trustee for the Milton Keynes-based charity in order to ‘do more for the brain tumour community’. “We did it,” said Jack, posting on social media. “15 Marathons, 2,740km, 200 runs. “Thank you all so much for following my journey this year and cheering me on – without support I wouldn't have got here. This year wasn't for me, it was for my Mum and Brain Tumour Research – I hope one day we can cure the deadly disease which took her away from us too soon.’”

And you know, while I will never know or understand the countless reasons so many people experience disease, pain, sorrow or heartache in this life or why so many of our loved ones are taken away from us too soon, I do know one thing that brings me great comfort in the midst of the sadness and suffering in this world... God’s promises are always true. And the same God who promised to bring good out of our hurt, as He has done for all believers since the beginning of time, also promised us that a day would come when there would be “no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain.” A day when every tear will be wiped from our eyes and the afflictions and hurt we have experienced on this earth will be gone forever. 

Until that day though, I hope the thought of God's tried-and-true promise that good will always come from our pain brings you the same peace it does me my friend.  Peace that, in a world that seems to be spiraling further out of control with each passing day, is so desperately needed. 

Heavenly Father, thank You for always making beauty from ashes for those who have put their faith and trust in You. Help us to look to You when we don’t understand the “whys” of this world Lord and to trust that Your plan is greater than any one we could ever imagine. It’s in Your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen. 

Happy Running!!!