2 Corinthians 4:16-18
So we’re not giving up. How could we! Even though on the outside it often looks like things are falling apart on us, on the inside, where God is making new life, not a day goes by without his unfolding grace. These hard times are small potatoes compared to the coming good times, the lavish celebration prepared for us. There’s far more here than meets the eye. The things we see now are here today, gone tomorrow. But the things we can’t see now will last forever.
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
I am in an extraordinary position these days. On one hand, I am watching the last days and weeks of my grandmother’s life unfold. Her body is wearing out, her ability to speak is virtually gone, and her mind is foggy at best. She doesn’t have many good days, but she can still smile beautifully when someone greets her. And I know my grandmother… she is already looking ahead to her heavenly celebration, which will be lavish and exciting. Of course, none of us have ever seen heaven firsthand, but she and I have talked about how wonderful it will be. We know it will last forever and make us forget any troubles or unhappiness we ever experienced…and my grandmother looks forward to this.
At the same time, I am watching my niece’s three children grow and develop. Every day is new when you are 3½, 19 months and 5 months old. Each day I see these children grow and develop… and I am shown God in action, making new life. As He allows them to learn new things and demonstrate acquired skills, I am blessed. The sleepless nights with baby Timothy have given way to a darling toddler who has the most vivid imagination I’ve ever seen…and wakes us early in the morning to “tell you something very important!” The baby girl who could only point and squeal a few weeks ago now runs to us with arms open wide and says, “Bye?” (meaning, “Can I come with you?”). The tiny baby who slept most of the time is now sitting upright, gurgling and laughing… and all too soon he will be crawling and getting into everything!
The minute we are born, we start our trek toward heaven. We may be granted 100 years or 1 day here, but heaven will last forever. Every life is filled with ups and downs. There are cycles of good times, and often there are incredible challenges and heartaches along the way. But through it all, God is granting us grace and strength for the journey. I pray that you trust Him for all of your needs. I hope you recognize His presence in even the smallest thing… a hug from a child, the beauty of a snowfall, or even a smile from an aging grandparent. Learn to recognize the rhythms and grace of God in your life… and to rely on His strength for your daily living.
We’re not giving up… how could we?! God is with us, meeting our every need and preparing us for a glorious eternity with Him in heaven. Whatever challenges we face in this life really are “small potatoes” compared to the coming good times. This is great news for all who believe in Jesus Christ and have asked Him to forgive our sins and be LORD of our lives. We can enjoy every minute of the day, regardless of what it brings, because GOD is on our side!
Are you trusting God for the things you cannot see… believing in a lavish celebration and a forever life in heaven? Who gives you strength? Who holds your future? Are you ready to “let go and let God?” Isn’t this a good day to begin?
©2012 Debbie Robus
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