It's Not Over Until God Says It Is

 A family bible study by Keith M. Craddock

"It's Not Over Until God Says It Is"

Have you ever felt like your situation is hopeless? Like everything is falling apart and there's no way out? The truth is, with God, it's never over until He says it is.

A New Beginning

In Genesis 3:23-24, we read:

"So the Lord God banished him from the Garden of Eden to work the ground from which he had been taken. After he drove the man out, he placed on the east side of the Garden of Eden cherubim and a flaming sword to guard the way to the tree of life."

This passage reminds us that even after Adam and Eve sinned, God didn't give up on them. He provided a way for them to start anew, even though they could no longer live in the Garden of Eden.

The Lord Restores

In Psalm 126:1-3 and 5-6, we read:

"When the Lord restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dreamed. Our mouths were filled with laughter, our tongues with songs of joy. Then it was said among the nations, 'The Lord has done great things for them.'... Those who sow with tears will reap with songs of joy. Those who go out weeping, carrying seed to sow, will return with songs of joy, carrying sheaves with them."

This psalm reminds us that God is a God of restoration. He can take our darkest moments and turn them into moments of joy and laughter.

Hope in the Midst of Despair

In Habakkuk 3:17-19, we read:

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Savior. The Sovereign Lord is my strength; he makes my feet like the feet of a deer, he enables me to tread on the heights."

This passage reminds us that even in the midst of despair, we can have hope. We can rejoice in the Lord and trust in His sovereignty, even when everything around us seems to be falling apart.

Conclusion

It's not over until God says it is. No matter how dark our situation may seem, God can always bring light and restoration. Let us hold on to hope and trust in God's sovereignty, knowing that He is always working things out for our good.

Reflection Questions

What situation in your life feels hopeless right now?
How can you trust God to bring restoration and hope in that situation?
What does it mean to you to rejoice in the Lord, even in the midst of despair?

Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for being a God of restoration and hope. Help us to trust You, even when our situations seem hopeless. Give us the strength to rejoice in You and to hold on to hope, knowing that You are always working things out for our good. In Jesus' name, Amen