Ultimately, I was encouraged. The couple on my computer screen had decided that despite this major change of plans, their marriage was the most important thing to them. They did not let circumstances stop them from walking into the covenant the Lord was allowing them to make. It made me wonder how many weddings have taken place during past pandemics, during times of war, in slavery, in exile, and so forth.
This is not how people imagine the start of their marriage. Yet, I am excited for these newlyweds to experience God’s grace, not only depending on God to enable them to love each other but learning to depend on God as a couple during a time of crisis.
At times, we may wonder how long pain and destruction are allowed to rule this Earth. We grow tired of devastating news and the prevention of joyous and God-honoring occasions like weddings. We must also remember that the ultimate Wedding is coming, and God wants to give His Bride ample time to prepare for that day.
Now I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away. Also there was no more sea. Then I, John, saw the holy city, New Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from heaven saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and He will dwell with them, and they shall be His people. God Himself will be with them and be their God. And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away.”1
Our limited minds think how much easier it would be to end all pain and suffering now, when God is patiently awaiting this opportunity, so that as many people can come to know Him as possible. So, we too must wait enthusiastically, trusting that the Lord is busy preparing the right time to unite Himself to His Bride and make all things new. “Therefore we do not lose heart… For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory.”2
References
1. Revelation 21:1-4.
2. 2 Corinthians 4:16a, 17.
*Ivana Semidey is Customer Service Specialist for the ICR Discovery Center for Science & Earth History.
