The Bible may be the most revered book in America, but it's also one of the most misquoted. Politicians, motivational speakers, coaches - all types of people - quote what they believe are passages from the Bible that are not there. For example at a news conference after he was fired as coach of the Chicago Bears Mike Ditka, in tears, said, “Scripture tells you that all things shall pass.” Surprise Mike that is not in the Bible.
The phrase “this too shall pass” is most likely a proverb from around 1200AD. The proverb means that all material conditions, whether good or bad, are transient. This proverb has the ability to make the happy person sad and the sad person happy because of the realization that both the 'best and worst of times' will soon pass.
The legend of the quote finds its roots in the court of a powerful eastern Persian ruler who called his wise men to him, and asked them for one quote that would be accurate at all times and in all situations. The wise men consulted with one another, and came up with the answer ..."this too, shall pass". - Peter Baskerville What is the origin of the phrase this too shall pass
The ruler was so impressed by the quote that he had it inscribed in a ring.
The quote was popular in the first half of the 19th century particularly with the English poet Edward Fitzgerald and was later used in a speech by Abraham Lincoln, in his address to the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society in 1859.
The closest thing to it in the Bible to “this too shall pass” may be ;
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NKJV)17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
This too shall pass is something we say to make ourselves feel better when we are going through difficult times. It could be sickness, financial difficulties, relationship problems, work related stress, any number of unpleasant things.
The phrase “this too shall pass” is most likely a proverb from around 1200AD. The proverb means that all material conditions, whether good or bad, are transient. This proverb has the ability to make the happy person sad and the sad person happy because of the realization that both the 'best and worst of times' will soon pass.
The legend of the quote finds its roots in the court of a powerful eastern Persian ruler who called his wise men to him, and asked them for one quote that would be accurate at all times and in all situations. The wise men consulted with one another, and came up with the answer ..."this too, shall pass". - Peter Baskerville What is the origin of the phrase this too shall pass
The ruler was so impressed by the quote that he had it inscribed in a ring.
The quote was popular in the first half of the 19th century particularly with the English poet Edward Fitzgerald and was later used in a speech by Abraham Lincoln, in his address to the Wisconsin State Agricultural Society in 1859.
The closest thing to it in the Bible to “this too shall pass” may be ;
2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NKJV)17 For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,18 while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.
This too shall pass is something we say to make ourselves feel better when we are going through difficult times. It could be sickness, financial difficulties, relationship problems, work related stress, any number of unpleasant things.
Troubles Are Opportunities
The Bible reminds us that tough times actually produce endurance, character, and a strong hope of salvation, because we know that God loves us.
Romans 5:1-5 (NKJV)1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
James 1:2-4 (NKJV)2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. .
However, when difficult times come it’s hard to keep focus even on God. At those times we need to remind ourselves that whatever is going on is only temporary.
Psalm 34:19 (NKJV)19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
Each Time…... Really?
What about the believer who dies of cancer without being healed; what about the believer who has financial difficulty after losing a job; what about David whose family was a catastrophe; what about Paul who was martyred; what about Peter who it is said was crucified upside down; what about you and me; what about Jesus?
Jesus was crucified so when was He delivered from all His troubles? He was not delivered until after His death. Jesus’ deliverance came when God raised Him and welcomed Him back to be with Him in heaven.
Our troubles may be sickness, loss of material things, friends, dishonor, and persecution. At times we don’t think that we will be able to bare them. But the Lord will give us the strength to handle them if we let Him.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
He gives us the strength to do it all through Christ.
Philippians 4:11-13 (NKJV)11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Yes the Lord does deliver the righteous from all their troubles but, like Jesus, that complete deliverance may not happen until we are with Him.
2 Corinthians 5:6-8 (NKJV)6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord.7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
The Bible reminds us that tough times actually produce endurance, character, and a strong hope of salvation, because we know that God loves us.
Romans 5:1-5 (NKJV)1 Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,2 through whom also we have access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God.3 And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;4 and perseverance, character; and character, hope.5 Now hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit who was given to us.
James 1:2-4 (NKJV)2 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. .
However, when difficult times come it’s hard to keep focus even on God. At those times we need to remind ourselves that whatever is going on is only temporary.
Psalm 34:19 (NKJV)19 Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all.
Each Time…... Really?
What about the believer who dies of cancer without being healed; what about the believer who has financial difficulty after losing a job; what about David whose family was a catastrophe; what about Paul who was martyred; what about Peter who it is said was crucified upside down; what about you and me; what about Jesus?
Jesus was crucified so when was He delivered from all His troubles? He was not delivered until after His death. Jesus’ deliverance came when God raised Him and welcomed Him back to be with Him in heaven.
Our troubles may be sickness, loss of material things, friends, dishonor, and persecution. At times we don’t think that we will be able to bare them. But the Lord will give us the strength to handle them if we let Him.
1 Corinthians 10:13 (NKJV)13 No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.
He gives us the strength to do it all through Christ.
Philippians 4:11-13 (NKJV)11 Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am, to be content:12 I know how to be abased, and I know how to abound. Everywhere and in all things I have learned both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need.13 I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Yes the Lord does deliver the righteous from all their troubles but, like Jesus, that complete deliverance may not happen until we are with Him.
2 Corinthians 5:6-8 (NKJV)6 So we are always confident, knowing that while we are at home in the body we are absent from the Lord.7 For we walk by faith, not by sight.8 We are confident, yes, well pleased rather to be absent from the body and to be present with the Lord.
Yes, Things Will Pass...Eventually
Things will eventually pass just maybe not how or when we want it, but they shall pass.
Revelation 21:1-4 (KJV)1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
In my own past when I was dealing with an issue and God had given me a solution that I didn’t like I just wouldn’t do anything. Instead I said “this too shall pass” rather than obey. I would just sit back and say “I’m still waiting on God He’ll take care of it” or, “God promised” and I would find some real scripture that fit the solution that I wanted and I would just sit back and wait doing nothing. Yes, things did eventually pass but often much later than they would have had I obeyed and some of the passing wasn’t pretty, Sometimes the passing was very ugly.
No, “this too shall pass” is not in the Bible but, everything, the good, the bad, and the ugly will all pass. God is the only constant. He and His love are the only things that will never pass. Only God is forever and we are called to place our trust in Him because He will never leave or forsake us.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV)6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you."
I’ll end with the lyrics of a song by Yolanda Adams
“This Too Shall Pass”
In the middle of the turbulence surrounding you
These trying times that are so hard to endure
In the middle of what seems to be your darkest hour
Hold fast your heart and be assured
This too shall pass
Like every night that's come before it
He'll never give you more than you can bear
This too shall pass
So in this thought be comforted
It's in His Hands
This too shall pass
The Father knows the tears you cry before they fall
He feels your pain, His heart and yours are one
The Father knows that sorrow's heavy chains are strong
But with His strength, you'll overcome
This too shall pass
Like every night that's come before it
He'll never give you more than you can bear
This too shall pass
So in this thought be comforted
It's in His Hands
This too shall pass
So set your eyes upon the mountain
And lift your hands up to the sky
And let His arms of love surround you
And take you to the other side
This too shall pass
Like every night that's come before it
He'll never give you more than you can bear
This too shall pass
So in this thought be comforted
It's in His Hands
This too shall pass
Things will eventually pass just maybe not how or when we want it, but they shall pass.
Revelation 21:1-4 (KJV)1 And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea.2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.3 And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God.4 And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.
In my own past when I was dealing with an issue and God had given me a solution that I didn’t like I just wouldn’t do anything. Instead I said “this too shall pass” rather than obey. I would just sit back and say “I’m still waiting on God He’ll take care of it” or, “God promised” and I would find some real scripture that fit the solution that I wanted and I would just sit back and wait doing nothing. Yes, things did eventually pass but often much later than they would have had I obeyed and some of the passing wasn’t pretty, Sometimes the passing was very ugly.
No, “this too shall pass” is not in the Bible but, everything, the good, the bad, and the ugly will all pass. God is the only constant. He and His love are the only things that will never pass. Only God is forever and we are called to place our trust in Him because He will never leave or forsake us.
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NKJV)6 Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the LORD your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you."
I’ll end with the lyrics of a song by Yolanda Adams
“This Too Shall Pass”
In the middle of the turbulence surrounding you
These trying times that are so hard to endure
In the middle of what seems to be your darkest hour
Hold fast your heart and be assured
This too shall pass
Like every night that's come before it
He'll never give you more than you can bear
This too shall pass
So in this thought be comforted
It's in His Hands
This too shall pass
The Father knows the tears you cry before they fall
He feels your pain, His heart and yours are one
The Father knows that sorrow's heavy chains are strong
But with His strength, you'll overcome
This too shall pass
Like every night that's come before it
He'll never give you more than you can bear
This too shall pass
So in this thought be comforted
It's in His Hands
This too shall pass
So set your eyes upon the mountain
And lift your hands up to the sky
And let His arms of love surround you
And take you to the other side
This too shall pass
Like every night that's come before it
He'll never give you more than you can bear
This too shall pass
So in this thought be comforted
It's in His Hands
This too shall pass
 
Includes single "This Too Shall Pass"
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Includes single "Trouble Don't Last Always"
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