No mere man has ever seen, heard or even imagined what wonderful things God has ready for those who love the Lord (I Corinthians 2:9 TLB).
Several years ago, a Christian friend who was dying of cancer told me, “There’s nothing to look forward to anymore.” At first I felt sad and somewhat angry with God. Then I thought of today’s scripture and realized that what she had said just was not true. God has promised Christians far more after death than we could ever hope for here.
We know, of course, that even as Christians, the anticipation of heaven will always be mixed with the sadness of leaving loved ones. I believe God understands how difficult it is not to become “earthbound.” However, I often think of the Apostle Paul who said, “I desire to depart and be with Christ for that is far better” (Philippians 1:23 RSV). He certainly believed heaven was the better place.
It has been almost two years* since my friend went to be with the Lord. I wish I could talk to her now to find out what wonderful things God had in store for her. I have no doubt that she would tell me that for a Christian facing death, the best is yet to come!
Help me, Father, not to become so “earthbound” that I lose sight of my heavenly home. Amen.
