I am reading a book called Heaven by Randy Alcorn and I have to say it has been one of the most encouraging books I have read in a long time. I highly recommend reading it if you have not already done so! I have to confess that before reading this book my knowledge of what eternity would be like for a believer was limited to say the least. Reading this book has made me realize that I truly didn’t understand all that God has planned for His beloved children. I am in no way qualified nor intelligent enough to explain it the way he does, which is why I am recommending that you read it for yourself.
As I have read the book, I have found myself experiencing quite a variety of emotions. I have been brought to tears and I have wanted to shout with joy. Sweet friend, I am not even halfway through the book yet and I have never been more excited about eternity than I am at this moment. I think that the truth is that most of us look forward to heaven but if we are being completely honest, do not have a true understanding of what eternity will be like. Getting a better understanding of where we will spend eternity makes us long for our real home like never before.
Dear heart, everything beautiful that stirs your heart in this world is but a shadow of what is to come. Every moment that has brought joy to you is but a mere preview of what you will experience in eternity. The greatest love you have experienced in your life is but a drop in the ocean compared to the love your heavenly Father has for you. C. S. Lewis, one of my favorite authors said, “There are far, far better things ahead than any we leave behind.” Beloved, if we truly understood what awaited us in eternity, our hearts would be overflowing with joy.
We would be able to press on through whatever comes because our eyes would be fixed on what lies ahead! “Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus” Phil. 3:13-14. Dear heart, whatever this day may bring, please know that there is a day coming that is beautiful beyond anything you can imagine! One day, we all will live eternally somewhere, and I must remind you that there are only two options.
I would not be a good friend if I did not ask you to make certain you know where that will be for you. My pastor said something this Sunday that truly hurt my heart. He said that nearly half of the people sitting in church on Sunday mornings are not actually saved. They are not genuine followers of Jesus Christ. They have never actually come to Him in genuine repentance and made Him Lord of their lives. Beloved, have you come to Him, recognizing your need for a Savior? Have you acknowledged the fact that you are a sinner and asked for His forgiveness? Is He your Lord and Savior?
Precious friend, eternity is far longer than any of us can truly comprehend. Please take a moment to make certain of where you will spend it! We are ALL born as sinners in need of a Savior and faith in Jesus Christ is the ONLY way to heaven. Are you a follower of Christ? I so want to see you in heaven someday, my beloved friend! I believe with all of my heart that time is growing shorter by the day, and it is vitally important that we make certain where we will spend eternity. Please make sure that you will spend it in the beautiful home God has prepared for those that love and follow Him!
Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you believe in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
Katrina Douglas
5/9/23
