Eucatastrophe. That is an interesting word. It was first coined by the beloved author J.R.R. Toiken many years ago. It describes a sudden turn of events, when all hope is lost. Eucatastrophes are often seen in books or stories. Avengers Endgame comes to mind with a more recent and popular Eucatastrophe. After trading blows with the mighty and evil Thanos, Captain America is defeated. As he gets back on his feet, tired and bloody, he tightens his shield to his arm for his final stand.

Meanwhile, Thanos has gathered his massive army that is now pouring down from the sky. The audience knows that as brave as Cap’s last stand is, he doesn’t come out of this alive. At that very moment, Cap hears the familiar voice of his friend, the Falcon, and almost instantly, he is surrounded by an army of his own full of many other heroes. Ultimately, Thanos and his army are defeated, and the world is safe and whole again. That is an Eucatastrophe at its finest.

This neologism is not only found in movies or fantasy novels, but it is very much found in the real world as well. When we watch our favorite football team down by a touchdown, it’s fourth and long. Only five seconds are left on the clock; there’s no way this ends well. Then the center hikes the ball, the quarterback drops back, looks down the field, he is rushed and about to be sacked, and he lets go of the football, and it soars through the air and is caught by one of the receivers for the touchdown. Game over!

Some may describe these sorts of events as “Wishful thinking.” Yet, the definition of eucatastrophe is not that evil things never happen but that, in the end, there is always a final good. In other words, no matter how bad things get, the ending will always be a happy one. I’ll use my life as an example. Although both my parents died when I was younger, as terrible as it is to lose not only one but both parents at a young age, I know the end of my life will still be a happy one. Why? Because the greatest eucatastrophe has already happened. While we were sentenced to death by hellfire and brimstone, The Lord Jesus Christ came down from heaven and gave His sinless life for our sinful life by allowing Himself to be crucified on the cross. Three days later, God raised Him from the dead and, in doing so, has secured salvation for me and whosoever else will trust and surrender over their life to Jesus as their Lord and Savior.

If we belong to the Lord Jesus, it doesn’t mean we are immune to the many evils and sorrows of this world, but God does promise that one day, He will end evil once and for all. He will serve the ultimate justice, and all wrongs will be made right. Most of all, those who trusted in Him alone will spend eternity together in the presence of God, where there will be no tears, pain, or fears. One question to ask yourself is, have you truly experienced the eucatastrophe of Jesus’s saving grace? The clock is ticking, and it’s fourth down. Run to Jesus, bringing everything with you: your sins, filthiness, and sorrows. He wants all of you because He loves you.