Heaven Awaits

     All of us dream of a long and healthy life, praying we remain physically and mentally active and healthy until we die in our sleep. I have had the privilege of serving with the most incredible women of faith over the last twenty-five years, many surrogate mothers to me. I have witnessed their suffering. The eyes that no longer see, the ears that struggle to hear, the lungs with so little breath, the body so weak and frail, the chronic ever-present pain. These are the outward signs of aging and they will affect us all, if we have the privilege of living to an old age.

     What have these women of faith shared? A peace, a longing for heaven, a joy that remains. How? It is Jesus. Don’t get me wrong. The struggles come with doubt. There are questions with no easy answers. Pain and suffering are real. There is deep grief, but there is always hope. The Psalms speak to their hearts. The suffering of Jesus reminds them that He understands and He comforts.

     Those of you who know me well, know these have become some of my favorite verses. These verses remind me and the loved ones around me in the midst of suffering, that a glory awaits us, a glory that is forever and a glory that outweighs any and all earthly suffering.

Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For out light and momentary troubles  are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So, we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

     Perspective. Anticipation. Hope. These earthly troubles are “light and momentary.” The glory that awaits “far outweighs them all!” Fix your eyes on Jesus. Everything around us is temporary.

Jesus,

Your Words give us comfort and hope for a glorious heaven and a new earth with You and our loved ones. Keep us mindful of what awaits as we go through times of suffering. Keep us filled with the deep joy You offer, the peace that passes all understanding as we wait.

Amen