Have you ever felt like you don’t belong in this world?
Have you ever felt an intense longing for more?
Did you want to know why? We feel this way because we were built for eternity. When God created us He gave us an immortal soul, designed to last beyond this lifetime.
“God has… planted eternity in the human heart.” Ecclesiastes 3:11 NLT
Our bodies will die but our souls will live on either joined with God in Heaven or separated from Him forever.
This means we have a choice to make in this life and there are only two options for eternity: Heaven or Hell. What will you choose?
KEY VERSE
“This world is fading away, along with everything it craves. But if you do the will of God you will live forever.” 1 John 2:17 NLT
We need to think about eternity more. Life is more than the present, it’s more than just this lifetime. Life is preparation for the afterlife, for eternity and our relationship with God will determine where we will spend it.
Everything we do has an impact for better or worse. The tiniest of actions sends a ripple through time. It may not seem like it but it does have a consequence.
For example, choosing to turn away from God and not form a relationship with Him will doom us to a hopeless existence – an existence with no purpose or meaning. This may sound harsh but it’s true and such a life is not worth living.
But we are not without hope. Our God is the source of hope (Romans 15:13) and with Him, we have three certainties in life.
HE IS ALWAYS THERE
One of God’s names is Jehovah Shammah – the God who is always there. He doesn’t leave us in our struggles and He delights in our joy. We do not need to fear anything when He is with us at all times. Knowing that we are never truly alone in our struggles gives us hope. It’s comforting to know that one day we will get to see His glory for ourselves, to be forever with the one who has been with us our whole lives.
“Do not fear, for I am with you; do not be afraid, for I am your God. I will strengthen you; I will help you; I will hold onto you with my righteous hand.” Isaiah 41:10 CSB
HE IS WORKING HIS PURPOSE IN US
Not only is He always with us, but God also has a purpose for us. He leads us to do His will if we are obedient to trust His ways.
“I will instruct you and show you the way to go; with my eye on you, I will give counsel.” Psalm 32:8 CSB
He is Jehovah Jireh – the God who provides. He gives us everything we need to succeed in the purpose He gives us. Everything we do has an impact for better or worse but our God can use the worst evil for good. But just because He can use evil for God doesn’t mean He causes it and Romans 8:28 tells us He only works things for good for those who love Him.
“We know that all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 CSB
This is wonderful news for those who love God. It means we don’t have to figure everything out; we just need to trust that even in the mess of life, He will lead us through. We can trust that if things aren’t good, then God isn’t done working. God will finish what He started.
“I am sure of this, that he who started a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Philippians 1:6 CSB
We also know that even if we fail in following through with His purpose He is faithful to forgive us when we repent. In His mercy, He gives us the gift of a clean slate every single day so it is never too late to do the right thing.
“Because of the Lord’s faithful love we do not perish, for his mercies never end. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness!” Lamentations 3:22-23 CSB
HE HAS A PLACE READY FOR US IN HEAVEN
“In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? If I go away and prepare a place for you, I will come again and take you to myself, so that where I am you may be also.” John 14:2-3 CSB
Heaven is our ultimate hope. The place where there will be no more sin, no more pain and suffering. A new beginning with God that will last forever. But to get there we must be prepared. Our souls are ready because they are immortal but we have to choose to follow God and His will or we will never get there.
This life will not be easy but it is simpler when we trust in God. Simpler because He has the ultimate control and knows what lies ahead so He can lead us. If we follow our own path we will stumble blindly not knowing where to turn. It is better to follow God and His ways.
He strengthens us in our weaknesses, He redirects us when we go the wrong way. In the darkest of times He is the light of hope that keeps us moving forward.
“Those who trust in the Lord will renew their strength; they will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.” Isaiah 40:31 CSB
With God we have hope even when the world is dying because we know that there is more to life that this lifetime. We know He is preparing a place for us in Heaven and one day after all the struggles of this life we have an eternity of goodness that awaits.
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Wholeheartedly Faithul 
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