Week 36 - Cathy Mayer - The Story That Never Ends

Hey everyone! My name is Cathy Mayer, and today I wanted to share a quick, encouraging word with all of you. My relationship with Christ is the absolute most important thing in my life, and whether you currently have a relationship with Him or not, I hope this message brings a little light to your day.

Why We All Love a Good Story

Don't you just love a good story? Think about how we pull our chairs closer when someone says, "Wait till I tell you about this book I just read" or "You're not going to believe how this movie ends!" We get invested in the characters, the settings, and the big twists.

I was recently reading through a daily devotional I love—New Morning Mercies by Paul Tripp—and I came across a entry I had heavily bookmarked and highlighted. It reminded me why God's story is the absolute best narrative ever written: because it’s a story that has no ending.

Two Promises No Other Story Can Offer

In his book, Paul Tripp points out two life-transforming promises that God’s story gives us:

1. A Planned Place for You: You have a place in this story that was designed specifically for you long before it was ever written (check out Psalm 139 for more on that!).

2. Life That Never Ends: In human terms, we view death as an inevitable final chapter. But in God's story of redemption, death dies. Jesus came to earth, defeated sin and death, and offers us eternal life.

Understanding Grace

The most beautiful part? You don't have to earn your spot in this story. It is given entirely by grace.

When I teach my 4th and 5th-grade Sunday school class, I like to explain grace by handing out candy at the end of the lesson. I tell them, "You did nothing to earn this; I am just freely giving it to you." That’s exactly how God welcomes us into His story.

Looking at my Bible app in John 5:24, Jesus says:> "Very truly I tell you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life and will not be judged but has crossed over from death to life."

My Own Journey

I first began my relationship with Jesus back in 7th grade. After going through some struggles, I truly rekindled that faith during my sophomore year of college. Ever since, it’s been an incredible adventure filled with highs and lows—just like any great book or movie. But knowing that this physical life isn't the final ending brings so much comfort.

A Final Prayer for You

Before you go about your day, I want to leave you with a quick prayer:> Father, thank You so much for Your word and for inspiring authors like Paul Tripp to write such encouraging devotionals. Thank You for the opportunity to share this with friends and co-workers. I pray that this message strengthens everyone who reads it today. If anyone reading this doesn't yet have a relationship with You, I pray You guide them toward starting that journey so they can experience a story that never ends. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Have a wonderful rest of your day!