Heaven is My Home

I confess that lately it has been a real challenge to stay positive, to stay dependent solely on Christ.  I have been dealing with some difficult medical issues over the last several months.  My faith is being stretched and strengthened daily, and some days are better than others.  

I was truly struck by the message at church today.  We were reading from Romans 8.  Verses 18 through 25 say:


 "For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.  For the creation waits with eager longing for the revealing of the sons of God.  For the creation was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be set free from its bondage to corruption and obtain the freedom of the glory of the children of God.  For we know that the whole creation has been groaning together in the pains of childbirth until now.  And not only the creation, but we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies.  For in this hope we are saved.  Now hope that is seen is not hope.  For who hopes for what he sees:  But if we hope for what we do not see, we wait for it with patience."

When the pastor reminded us that this is not our home, that we are "visiting" here I felt my eyes well up with tears.  There was a time that when I heard that concept mentioned I felt a twinge of sadness at the thought of leaving this earth, not being with my family or friends and giving up the silly pleasantries of this life.  The thought of death frightened me; I associated it with pain and suffering.  How foolish!  Today when my eyes welled up with tears at the thought of leaving this place, I felt relief. I felt joy and excitement at the thought of leaving all of this behind and being with my Savior, the thought of living in eternal bliss and having peace forever.  The thought of going home...

I love my husband, my son, my parents, my siblings, my church and my friends.  I have a great life.  God has blessed us over and over and over again with so much more than we deserve or need.  I have no right to complain about anything.  Every breath that God gives me, every second is a gift.  I am grateful for His goodness to me.  But as I get older and grow closer to meeting my Heavenly Father and as I learn more about the beauty and overwhelming fulfillment of being in His great and wonderful presence, I groan for that day.  I long to be in my Father's presence.

At the close of the sermon this morning we sang "It is Well with My Soul."  I choked back tears as I recited the words, "Though Satan should buffet, though trials should come, Let this blest assurance control, That Christ has regarded my helpless estate, And hath shed His own blood for my soul."  The reason for my reaction was twofold.  The first being that I can ALWAYS still hear my Grandad's voice singing the lyrics.  This was a favorite of his.  He, a man who suffered severe physical ailments for most of his adult life, would really belt it out when we sang it.  The second being that these lyrics are as though they were written just for me.  They echo the sentiment that I have felt in my heart for the last few months.

Before the service was over the pastor also reminded us that suffering is to be expected in this life.  We are not guaranteed anything on this earth.  Being a Christian doesn't mean that we will have a loving or respectful spouse, perfect children, good health, money, a job or even a home.  In fact, what we are actually GUARANTEED is suffering.  "The whole creation" is "groaning together in the pains of childbirth."  But we are also guaranteed this: Our suffering does not even come close to comparing "with the glory that is to be revealed to us."  Oh, to taste that glory!  

While I am navigating my way through each day here and facing some difficult circumstances lately this is my comfort.  A concept that once was a source of sadness, and even sometimes fear, has finally become my peace, just as it should be.  

"Come, Lord Jesus."