Tetelestai: It Is Finished
Strength, courage, faith, tenacity–all these words come to mind when I think of people who are long-suffering. Others may see depression, sickness, and pain, but I see something different because I see my mom.
My mom has suffered from multiple sclerosis (MS) since I was eleven years old–for over twenty-five years. Twenty-five years of doctor appointments, medicine, procedures, MRIs, nurses, physical therapy, and more. The latest trials came and went, yet my mom’s health stayed the same. Others diagnosed after my mom have already succumbed to the disease. Not my mom; she is a fighter! She fights for her healing every time the doctors say she will never walk again. She is courageous and strong when the physical therapist makes her stand up and do squats and take steps that seem to be impossible. She celebrates and has faith in every step towards healing. She is tenacious as she holds on to the Scripture that says “He took up our infirmities and bore our diseases” (Matt. 8:17 NIV). Throwing in the towel is not an option for her.
How many times have we felt like there was no light at the end of the tunnel? We’ve all cried out, “When is it going to be over?” “Where is my breakthrough?” “Where is my miracle?” “Where are you, God?”
When I battle with those questions, I am reminded of the final word of our Savior in John 19:30: “Tetelestai”–Greek for “It is finished.” What Christ did on the cross was not in vain. The word tetelestai was used in the New Testament times as a way of stating a debt was paid. Receipts inscribed with the word “tetelestai,” signifying a debt was paid in full. There is no denying the parallel between this practice and the cross. Jesus, in a manner of speaking, hands us a receipt stamped with the word “tetelestai,” canceling our debt. He gave his life for my mom–for her healing, her restoration, her life. He did it for me and you, too.
Whatever you are believing for today, know that it is already finished. Tetelestai! There is nothing else we need to do but believe; our needs, our prayers, our mistakes are already accounted for. Tetelestai is a comprehensive word that means it is all taken care of. Even if what God delivers doesn’t look exactly like what we are hoping for, we can trust in his promise of eternity. In Christ, we are made whole.
When I look at my mom, I see the impossible. I don’t see sickness, MS, or a wheelchair. Instead I see “It is finished.” What do you see when you look at your obstacles? Your answer is not always what you envisioned. Trials can make you stronger, better in spirit, and closer to Christ. “It is finished” means trials may go on, but eternity is guaranteed. You do not have to carry your burdens alone. The Father said he will never leave you nor forsake you. Only in suffering can we really gain appreciation for the fact that we have a Savior who knows what suffering is all about, who suffered the most extreme of human trials and not only purchased our redemption but remains with us, carrying us through another day, or in my Mom’s case, another step.
Whatever you’re going through, Jesus will pull you through. Call out his name.
Lauren Clark lives in Dallas, Texas, where she moved five years ago to be closer to family and help plant a church (Shoreline Dallas). She has been married to Sean Clark for over seven years and they have six dogs and one horse. Lauren’s passion is sharing God’s love for us through personal stories while relating them to practical biblical truths that bring life, love, freedom, and encouragement to every area of our lives. Read more from Lauren at LaurenJoyClark.com.
Photograph © Alisa Anton, used with permission
