We probably wouldn’t be fans of stories that start well and end with the phrase, “and they all lived horribly ever after.” Many stories that we like begin with trouble, continue with tension and then end with resolution. The characters live “happily ever after.” These kinds of stories resonate with us for a couple of reasons. First, we are hard-wired for a good ending to this earthly drama. Because of the gospel, there actually is a happy ending for those who want it. No matter how hard it gets here, we know the best really is yet to come. Second, some of us are in rather gloomy situations right now. Cancer, job loss, sickness, financial stress and relational dysfunction can all make us feel like the darkness is closing in and there is no light to be seen. We need to remember that just because things are bad is no guarantee that all will end poorly. Miracles happen. Lives are saved. Relationships can be restored. Remission is possible. Stories that end well help us in the middle of our own struggle to find some hope. It’s true that some stories do not end like we had hoped. But, because God is good, no pain is ever wasted and every story that allows His presence has a silver lining. That’s not blind optimism or happy romanticism, that’s the reality of having an all-powerful Father who has a disposition of love and infinite goodness. The Ruth story started bleak—three funerals. It ends with a wedding and a celebration. Your story is not over my friend. Let’s wait and see what God will do.