‘This too shall pass’ is a familiar phrase. Many people, including my sister, use it often. For my sister, a finger snap with her index finger trained on any dissenter makes for a dramatic proclamation.
The phrase might be poetic and common, but it’s neither Biblical nor prophetic.
No, the saying isn’t in the Book of Ecclesiastes. Contrary to some beliefs, these words aren’t found anywhere in the Bible.
But what do these words mean?
This too shall pass is usually used to encourage someone or bring a positive light on difficult or troublesome circumstances. ‘This’ is something burdensome that needs to end or go away. The ‘too’ implies other troubled times that have come and gone. And the current hardship will be no different; it will also dissipate or disappear.
This too shall pass is a short positive affirmation or declaration. I like the saying and have also used it.
But the idiom doesn’t mention the fruit or reward that comes after the endured troubles. The phrase only emphasizes the passing of a bad experience.
Nothing encourages or enlightens Christians about stormy times like the Word of God.
Did you know that spiritual blessings and wealth can emerge from troubles?
If we can endure life’s challenges, we can reap spiritual benefits.
Checkout 2 Corinthians 4: 17-18. That’s referenced as Second Corinthians, not 2 Corinthians.
“For our present troubles are small and won’t last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don’t look at the trouble we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever (NLT).”
Wow!
There is only one question to ask. Do you believe, not some, but all of these verses?
Do I believe my troubles are small?
Whether we think they are small or not, do we believe that they won’t last long?
We must believe God. His Word is Truth.
We can’t cherry-pick God’s Word and choose to believe some verses and not accept others.
Nothing is too big for God! He is bigger than any problem! And there is no need to measure our problems or compare them with the issues of family, friends, or neighbors.
Now for some more good news! Hope during sufferings or troubles glorifies God and renews our souls in the faith and promise of eternal deliverance.
The body and suffering are temporal, but the soul and glory are eternal.
This too shall pass because the Victory in Christ is sure.