The Hope of Heaven

Listen:

“For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.” (Hebrews 13:14 NLT)

Reflect:

Home. After the many travels of this ministry year, returning h.o.m.e. always felt like the best thing in the world! The familiarity of the apartment, the comfort of my bed, the presence of Bogdan there – these were sweet things to return to. But, you see, my apartment is not always clean and organized. Sometimes I leave it in disorder and I find the same disorder when I return. No magic happens while I am gone. My bed is not always comfortable, actually our new mattress is worse than the old one, but we cannot justify buying a new one very soon. Sometimes Bogdan is not home to welcome me. When the elevator of the building is not working, going up to the 6th floor with all the luggage is zero fun. And there is a threat of a big earthquake that is lingering over our city. All these and more are reminders that I belong to a different home, a more permanent home, a home for the soul where safety, security, stability, hope, joy, and peace are a guarantee. 

I’ve been reflecting a lot on Home – our permanent home – this spring. In February we found out that we had received an amazing gift: the gift of a much desired and awaited pregnancy. The joy was huge and our hopes raised to the sky. But then, we had a miscarriage in March that brought us to our knees. Losing someone so dear, so desired, so prayed for, so precious was heartbreaking and heart-shattering. How can pain be so intense when losing someone you have never met? Where do you find hope and how are praises still possible when loss is fracturing a fragile heart?

It was the hope of heaven that gave us stability. It was the life of heaven that gave us the hope of seeing our precious gift for the first time. It is the presence of Jesus that makes heaven not just possible (He is the Way!) but also beautiful and worth waiting for it! One day, when we will see Jesus face to face, when he will wipe all our tears away and tell us “Welcome home!” – that one Day we will be home. The Home that we were made for! 

Questions for Reflection:

• What are some things in your home that give you joy and stability? Thank God for the gift of your home now.
• What is your soul longing for? Come to Jesus with your most honest desires, feelings, hurts, thoughts and questions. He welcomes them and he welcomes you – always!

Prayer of Response:

Lord Jesus Christ, you are my Home. You are the One who gives my life meaning and purpose and when I am aware of your presence I get a taste of what Home will be like. But there are so many things that are a burden on my soul right now. They are heavy and they are hard. Thank you, Jesus, that you know them, that you care deeply about me, and that one Day you will make all things right. I trust you and I trust your goodness even when I don’t understand. I pray these things in the Name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. 

 —Submitted by Diana Anton
Diana serves as the Executive Director of Lifesprings International and her passion is to see women worldwide connected, encouraged and prepared to impact their communities with the love of Jesus. She is so thankful for the amazing leaders and teams that have been serving with Lifesprings so faithfully over the years! Also, she was honored to witness the celebration of the Lifesprings School of Ministry Uganda in May, where 65 women graduated! Well done LSM Uganda and LSM Lyon students who graduated this Spring! Go and continue to impact your communities with the love of Jesus Christ!