Our ultimate trust and hope are in our victory over death. Death? Most of us want to avoid the topic all together. Our earthly goodbyes are heart wrenching, our grief overwhelming. It is so difficult to go on without our loved ones. But in Christ, we have the promise of forever. In this life, we always find hope. Our short lives will end (no matter how we try to avoid that truth) and we will move on to a better forever, our true home in heaven. Heaven bound? Believe in the risen Christ!
In the meantime, we are in a spiritual battle against the ways of this world, that will grow ever-stronger until the return of Christ. He promised there would be an increase in storms and earthquakes, in wars, in evil and depravity. There would be times such as haven’t been seen since the days of Noah, times of violence, anger, of disrespect, greed, power and pride. Sound like the headlines?
Trusting in God, as we have spoken about each day for these last two weeks, offers us hope in Christ and His power until our death or until His return. He overcame this world for us. Spread the word. He is risen. He has conquered death. Our heavenly home awaits.
Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God. 1 John 5:5
“I have told you these things so that in Me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:13
Do not fear. This world will pass away. Everything we see is temporary, but in Him we can remain calm and peaceful. Focus on things above. As we age and our bodies wear out, our spirits will be able to grow stronger and filled with light. I have seen this truth over and over again in hospice patients. Here are two verses I have used in ministry to the dying. They are filled with God’s glory and hope forever.
Therefore, we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are growing day by day. For our 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, for what is seen is temporary and what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18
I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. Romans 8:18
Such precious words to end the week. An eternal glory that far outweighs it all. As we trust Him with our lives, we are moving ever-closer to our home.
Father,
You bring us back to hope as we trust in You throughout our lives. Keep us strong in weakness, fearless and unafraid, as we remain Your beloved children.
In Jesus name,
Amen
Last of the summer vacation days next week. The blog will be back on August 26th.
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