Some members of a church were sharing their favorite Scripture passages with each other. A number of verses were quoted, most of them on salvation, assurance, or God's provision. One elderly man, though, stood up and said that his favorite words in the Bible were "It came to pass." He continued, "When sickness strikes, it encourages me to know that it will pass. When I find myself in trouble, I know it won't last forever. I'll soon be able to say, 'It came to pass.'"

Although this man had placed a different meaning on those words than the writers of Scripture intended, he saw in them an important truth that is found in the Bible. No matter how unending a trial may seem, the day will come when it will no longer be a burden or a source of distress. In fact, it will seem like nothing in the light of eternity.

Second Corinthians 4:17 tells us that our "light affliction . . . is but for a moment." Knowing that our burdens are temporary enables us to bear them with a triumphant outlook.

Whether your trials last for days, months, years, or a lifetime, they are still "but for a moment." Like that wise old Christian, you can say, "This too shall pass!"  — Richard De Haan