You know it is pretty easy to get wrapped up in the stresses and problems that are seemingly an inescapable part of life on Earth today. But when we step back from those situations we face, it is amazing to me to realize how trivial they quite often are in the grand scheme of things. It is interesting to consider, how if we could see things from an eternal perspective- the way God sees them- how we would react to the obstacles and trials we face. I recently read a blog dated September 11, 2002 in which Lisa Beamer, a 9/11 widow, reflected on how that tragedy has allowed her to gain an eternal perspective on life. Here is part of what she wrote:
September 11 has shown me the reality of eternity in a dynamic way these past few months. When I’m overwhelmed with sadness at what I’ve lost in this life, He is quick to give me His eternal perspective. ‘Lisa, this life is just a blip on the radar screen compared to your future with Me in heaven,’ He says. ‘The best thing that you can imagine on earth is garbage compared to what awaits you.’
What an incredible testimony. You know– this life is filled with problems. We will experience mountain-top encounters. And they are necessary and purposeful, but they are not an accurate picture of reality. As the speaker at a service I attended tonight at Northeast Church aptly pointed out, we spend most of our lives “in the valley.” Our day-to-day living is filled with ups and downs, and trials and tribulations, but God is ready to help us face those obstacles and we can be encouraged to know that the best is yet to come! Listen to the powerful words of Revelation 21:1-5. Every time I hear this passage read chills run down my spine and a smile extends across my face:
Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away. He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”
Wow. Isn’t that an amazing thing to look forward to. In that verse I find comfort because I know that’s what God has in store for me. Today, no matter what situation you face, understand that God is working in your situation, he Loves you dearly, and for all of those who have put their faith in Jesus Christ, an eternal life free of death, suffering, hurt, fear, or pain awaits us.
