Every so often, I find a Dove chocolate waiting for me next to my pillow when I’m heading to bed. I have a thoughtful husband! While I wallow in my indulgence, the smooth, dark chocolate melting in my mouth, I carefully open the foil so I can read the “words of wisdom” inside—kind of like checking your fortune while you munch on the cookie. There must have been a contest I missed, because these pithy little phrases were written by chocolate lovers all over the country. Apparently, the winners get to see their words printed on a Dove wrapper. (I trust that the prizes also included lots of chocolate.)

One day, not too long ago, I was enjoying my treat when I came across this tidbit submitted by Kayla Z of North Dakota:

“Everything will be okay in the end. If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”

While I quickly forget most of the Dove phrases, this one caught my attention. I even saved the wrapper. What Kayla Z says—is it true? Will everything really be okay in the end?

Her maxim could be considered a paraphrase of a familiar verse: “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

In other words, it may not be good now, but it will be. Even when the situation looks hopeless, we “who love God and have been called according to His purpose” have hope. This life is not all there is.

It’s a good reminder, especially when we’re feeling overwhelmed by circumstances. We need to get our eyes off the here and now and take God’s eternal perspective. Our “end” is endless joy in God’s presence.

Notice the caveat, however. There are conditions; The promise is not for everyone. Apart from God, there is no guarantee of a happy ending. (Of course, Dove is unlikely include that on their wrapper!)

There are times when life gets hard when I have to keep repeating to myself, “In another hundred years, this won’t matter at all!” Yes, a hundred years seems like an eternity when we’re right in the middle of it, but it’s really just a speck on the timeline of our existence. We have forever waiting for us, and it’s going to be more than just okay.

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” (Revelation 21:3-4)