We are eternal, spiritual beings wrapped in temporary, physical bodies. As I awoke Saturday morning, I had this assurance that this life is not only NOT the end, but that this world is not my forever home. Writing this post was already on my mind when we read the scriptures for the day (John 14-17). Here is the first thing Lisa read…
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. 2 My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.” John 14:1-3 NIV
As followers of Jesus, we are like visitors in a foreign country on a Work Visa. A Work Visa lets a person stay in a country that is not their own to work. I have done this in my career. About half-way through my times abroad, I would really start looking forward to going home. It was not homesickness but a yearning for home that flavored my thoughts and encouraged me while I finished the work before me.
Our citizenship is in heaven. Our “work visa” in this world is for a set time which we do not know, but which is finite. Our home is with the LORD. When our work ends, He will come again to take those who are His to be with Him in the Father’s house. Boy, does that encourage me!
I see that I still have work to do. It stirs in my soul that what God is doing in me and what He has purposed for me is not yet finished. The first thing He has purposed for me is to know Him. I truly want to know Him more and more, but I am confident that whatever I lack in knowing Him on this side, He will accomplish on the other. The second thing He has purposed for me is to make Him known. Lord, whatever you want to do in or through me to reveal yourself to others, please do. With that as my prayer, I trust He still has work to do. But thoughts of my forever home are flavoring my thoughts and encouraging me even as I do the work before me…
As I consider the uncertain health path before me, Paul’s words to the believers in Rome come to mind.
Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies [dedicating all of yourselves, set apart] as a living sacrifice, holy and well-pleasing to God, which is your rational (logical, intelligent) act of worship. 2 And do not be conformed to this world [any longer with its superficial values and customs], but be transformed and progressively changed [as you mature spiritually] by the renewing of your mind [focusing on godly values and ethical attitudes], so that you may prove [for yourselves] what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect [in His plan and purpose for you]. Romans 12:1-2 AMP
May the LORD bless you today as you think of Him, as you allow Him to refresh and renew your mind, and as you offer yourself as a living sacrifice to the One who gave His all for you so you too can join Him in our Father’s house.
areliablefaith 