OUR HEAVENLY HOME

All the sufferings we experience in our lifetime on this earth are temporary and brief in comparison to the eternal time of our God. Sickness, emotional and physical pain, the effects of age, separation, loss, loneliness, depression, death, and other sufferings are all the results of living in this fallen world. There is no escaping the sufferings of this world because of sin. Sin entered the world due to Adam's disobedience in the Garden of Eden, bringing death and suffering as its consequences. No matter the status of our lives, whether we are rich, poor, common, or influential, we all experience suffering. But for us who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, we have a better life that awaits us. 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our present troubles are small and won't last very long. Yet they produce for us a glory that vastly outweighs them and will last forever! So we don't look at the troubles we can see now; rather, we fix our gaze on things that cannot be seen. For the things we see now will soon be gone, but the things we cannot see will last forever." 

Although we experience pain, suffering, and even death in this world, we put our hope in Heaven. We cannot see Heaven at this time, but God has promised us eternal life. Heaven is our eternal home, where there is no more sin, sickness, pain, sorrow, and death (Revelation 21:1-5). Paul said, "For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come (Hebrews 13:14)." Let us persevere in our sufferings and pain because God is with us, and there is a place that awaits us after our life on this earth. When God takes us home, it will only be that time that we will be freed from suffering and pain. Until then, we rely and rest in the sovereign goodness and power of God. Let us not give up or live in fear, but let us live confidently in our God in spite of suffering, because everything that we experience in this world is temporary. 

No matter what we are going through at this time, let us trust and rest in the sovereign power and love of our Heavenly Father. God is our shelter in the midst of the storm of life. We can find rest and peace in our faith in God. 

Questions for application: (Think through these questions carefully, meditate on them while answering them, and let the Spirit of God speak to you.) How should I live my life knowing that all my pain and suffering are temporary? What happens when I die? Where can I find peace and rest in the midst of my suffering?

Take a moment to write down all your worries today. Then, lift them up to God in prayer, surrendering them to His will and trusting in His guidance.

Prayer:

Dear Father in Heaven, thank you for reminding me this morning that my eternal home is to be with you in Heaven. The suffering and pain that I experience in this world are all temporary. Please help me persevere and fix my eyes on you. Please help me never lose hope, but always trust and rest in your goodness and sovereign power. In your name, Jesus, I pray. Amen.