We Know How the Story Ends

by Rick Warren — June 29, 2021
From Leaving a Lasting Legacy

“The Good News about God’s kingdom will be preached in all the world, to every nation. Then the end will come.”

Matthew 24:14 (NCV)

History’s conclusion is inevitable.

I believe this with all my heart. It’s a fait accompli. It’s done. It’s finished. There’s no doubt. I’ve read the final chapter.

God’s Word tells us how it’s going to end. One day God’s going to wrap it all up here on Earth, and he’s going to take his children home to heaven to be with him forever. The Bible says, “The Good News about God’s kingdom will be preached in all the world, to every nation. Then the end will come” (Matthew 24:14 NCV).

I’m going to tell you something really important. We are not trying to set up a kingdom here on earth. We are trying to populate the Kingdom of heaven. We want all our friends and everybody else to be with us in heaven. Our goal is to bring people into God’s Kingdom so they can be with him for eternity.

How do we bring glory to God? He gets glory when we love him with all our hearts. God gets glory when we love other people in the family of God. God gets glory when we love the people who are unlovable. God gets glory when we share the Good News with everybody. God gets glory when we trust him with problems in our lives that cannot be solved except through a miracle. And God gets glory when we know and trust that the end is inevitable and that he wins.

Does that sound like the way you want to live your life? If so, pray this simple prayer today:

“Dear Jesus Christ, I want to be a part of what you’re doing in the world. I believe you want to use me. I want to return to my first love: you. I want to be your hands and feet in the 21st century. Help me to believe and live by your convictions. In your name I pray. Amen.”

Talk It Over

  • What should change in your life when you believe that God has already written the end of the story and that he wins?
  • In what seemingly impossible problem or situation do you need to trust God?
  • Who can you share the Gospel to today so that they can join God’s Kingdom?

No matter what you’ve done or where you’ve been, God wants you to join him in his eternal Kingdom one day. That’s right—you’ve got a place in God’s forever family ready and waiting for you. The invitation is wide open. Just believe and receive.

Are you ready? Here’s a prayer you can start with: “Dear God, I know when I die, I’m going to give an account of my life to you. I know I have sinned against you, and I have lived by my plan, not yours. I want that to change, starting right now. I want to turn away from my sins and toward you.

“Thank you for sending Jesus to die for all that I’ve done wrong so that I don’t have to pay the penalty. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I know only your grace can save me, Lord. I could never be good enough to get into a perfect place.

“Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you took all my guilt on yourself. You made me acceptable for heaven, and I humbly ask you to save me. I believe in you, Jesus. And I believe you will keep your promise to save me instantly, certainly, completely, and eternally. And I know that when I leave this Earth, I will join you in your Kingdom. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

If you prayed the prayer above, please write and tell me at [email protected]. I’d like to send you some materials as you begin your journey with Jesus.


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