John Lennon, legendary music figure from the Beatles once said this, “Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.” Whilst this sounds quite idealistic it certainly captures the essence of God’s plans in the Bible for his people.

Romans 8:28 (NIV) says, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

God’s plans for those who love him, in the end, are for good.

 As we come towards the end of another term and the end of the school year it is appropriate to think about endings. Our year 12’s are finishing high school, our year 6’s are finishing primary school, and all year groups are ending their years. For all of us, as we approach the end of the year, we may look back and classify the time that has been. We might say “This year has been a good year.” For others, this year will have been a “hard” year or one they would rather leave behind.

 However, we classify our endings, for those who trust God he promises good. What does good here mean? Often good is something that we can only see in hindsight, or we may not, often, be able to discern any good. This does not mean that the good doesn’t exist, simply that we are unable to currently perceive it. As things end this year let us encourage ourselves: “if it’s not okay, it’s not the end (for endings often mean a new beginning).”