My heart has been heavy for the citizens of Ukraine lately. I can somewhat relate to them having to give up their possessions, but not how quickly and forcefully as they have had to. Have you ever thought about what you might lose here in your earthly days? It might be a loved one, your muscle strength, your prized possessions, your mental health, or your defining job. Whatever you value as important in this life can be taken away in an instant with no fault of your own.
We must remember, as Christians, we are God's child first. John 15:16 "You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit." You are his child forever. You were his voluntary choice with an important purpose in mind.
2 Corinthians 5:1-6 " For we know that if the earthly tent we live in is destroyed, we have a building from God, an eternal house in heaven, not built by human hands. Meanwhile we groan, longing to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, because when we are clothed, we will not be found naked. For while we are in this tent, we groan and are burdened, because we do not wish to be unclothed but to be clothed instead with our heavenly dwelling, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. Now the one who has fashioned us for this very purpose is God, who has given us the Spirit as a deposit, guaranteeing what is to come. Therefore we are always confident and know that as long as we are at home in the body we are away from the Lord.''
"Don't get sucked into short-term thinking. Your struggles will not last forever, but you will." {You'll Get Through This, M. Lucado]
2 Timothy 2:11-13" Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself."
There is nothing on this earth that can separate us from God's love. He has called us for His purposes and blesses us with His gifts. These cannot be taken from us. Romans 11:29 " for God’s gifts and his call are irrevocable." Our salvation is guaranteed.
2 Timothy 2:12 "If we endure, we will also reign with Him." Isn't that a motivating promise? This life is a vapor in the wind, but eternity is everlasting. Hang on, my friends.
From a friend..." If you are not a Christian, then your life here on earth, whatever the best that happens to you, will be the best you will ever get. So this life is as good as it gets. But….if you are a believer, what happens here is the worse it will ever get for you. So for the believer this is as bad as it gets. For the unbeliever, this is as close to heaven as they get. For believers it’s as close to hell as we get. "
As for myself, the struggle is real right now. Satan tries to shift my focus off of my blessings. The battle is in God's hands. My impatience will be overcome, because I know God has a plan to provide for all of my needs. He's providing now, in His way not mine. I am thankful and know His ways are higher.
