I remember as a child singing a song that starts out, “This world is not my home, I’m just a passing through …. somewhere beyond the blue.” I can’t remember all of it, but it kind of sums up what we, as believers, are supposed to be doing—or not doing!
A LIFE IN HEAVEN
Our current bodies are ‘earthly’ and perhaps could even be called a ‘tent’. It’s temporary. Our future body will be with Christ in heaven. I don’t know what that looks like, but I know it’s reality, and we’ll be made to last forever, which my finite mind grapples with. Still, I know it’s truth.
HEAVEN IS JUST A LITTLE CLOSER NOW
But as a widow I also feel like heaven is just a little bit closer, since I believe that is where my spouse is! It somehow doesn’t feel so distant, and there’s a feeling of peace about it. Still with my husband’s passing, I tend to recognize my own aging body and the reality of mortality, becomes even more intense.
LIVING MY LIFE ON PURPOSE
The thing to remember now, however, is how I live my life, and tend to the relationships I have here on this earth. This life is a place of preparation, where God shapes our hearts, teaches us to trust Him and helps us grow into the people He created us to be for eternity. Those things I learn from others, or teach by my lifestyle and beliefs, form the foundation on which my relationship with God can grow.
As we mature, learn, and grow in wisdom through God’s Word, His teachings, and prayer life, can change. Our value system can change, as can how we use our time, character traits, or priorities. How we view ‘fun’, achievements, even our wealth, as well as, our relationships are all defined by what we believe and how we present each of these into our current world.
CHALLENGES ABOUND
The world around us is in fast forward, perhaps even spiraling out of control…and sadly not in a positive direction. There is so much around us which takes a direct stand against the teachings of God. It’s beyond a challenge, it’s a deliberate denial. Satan has moved in, ‘lock, hook and anchor’ and is determined to undermine everything that is decent and good.
WE ARE ACCOUNTABLE
We are accountable for those ‘things’ we have done, when we stand before Jesus one day…and it will happen. As we move through our day, do we even think about the ramifications of conforming to our peers and what society expects? It’s hard to stand out in a crowd, to be the only person in a room who is saying, ‘NO! I don’t agree with that. God says it’s wrong, regardless of what society is telling us’!
We’re told to work hard and fast; climb that rung on the ladder to get to the top, no matter who you hurt —or what you have to do —to get there! The choices we make reveal what we truly believe, and influence our faithfulness, our witness and how we live in light of eternity.
WE’LL SPEND ETERNITY SOMEWHERE
We all have to face the fact that we will spend eternity somewhere. But as a believer it’s not a termination, but a transition! I want to know my transition will be in heaven, not in a place of infinite torment.
MY FOREVER HOME
Because of my relationship with Jesus Christ, I have the assurance that my forever home is heaven. The thought of seeing Jesus face to face along with seeing my loved ones again, having no pain or suffering, being rewarded for faithfulness, and reassigned for work which I will enjoy, fills me with anticipation and peace!
I’ve tried to imagine what kind of work I will do once I get to heaven, but honestly, I haven’t a clue. I just know that while I’m here on this physical earth, I have a purpose which trains me—in some fashion— for what I will do in my eternity! That’s enough to give me ‘Holy Ghost bumps’!
OUR STORY STILL MATTERS
How about you? Have you ever wondered, based on your relationship with Jesus Christ what it will be like to be in His presence for an eternity, and doing something totally wonderful with the gifts he’s given you?
Your story still matters! As widows, our journey did not end when our spouses stepped into heaven. God still has a purpose for us here. Each day is another opportunity to grow in grace, love others well, and prepare our hearts for that glorious reunion still to come. Until then we need to trust in God’s grace to use our stories for His story, and His glory.
Surviving Together In Loss And Love 
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