Colossians 1:5
“…the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel.”
These days, anytime you ask Lyanne how many days until school is out, she can tell you without hesitation of thought. A long, weary year of teaching will cause any teacher to look forward to summer. It’s just enough to help make it through the last few months.
When I read today’s verse, it reminds me that there is hope beyond the journey. Like summer for teachers, the hope of our eternal future in heaven should be enough to help us persevere through this life. Not that life is miserable and always difficult, but there are times when the Light at the end of the tunnel gives us a little more umph to make it through to the end. But what is so fantastic about our future in heaven (as compared to summer) is that our future is so good, so “heavenly” that we ought to more than limp to the finish. The eternity that awaits us ought to cause us to sprint to the finish – to spring forth faith in God and love for our brothers and sisters in Christ as was the case for the Colossians.
There is something about looking forward to something great that helps us let go of things that might normally bother us. Knowing our current afflictions are temporary and that there is Light at the end of the tunnel ought to bring more patience and graciousness and faith-walking experiences into our lives. Are you struggling with your faith in God and love for others? Then maybe spend some time considering heaven for a little while. Read Rev. 21 for some encouragement.
