Christian, meditate much on heaven, it will help thee to press on, and to forget the toil of the way. This vale of tears is but the pathway to the better country: this world of woe is but the stepping-stone to a world of bliss. And, after death, what cometh? What wonderworld will open upon our astonished sight?”   -Spurgeon

I have noticed that often the weeks I’m most productive are the weeks before I leave for a vacation. Can anyone else relate?  There is something about looking forward to the coming week that helps to motivate me to work hard so that I can enjoy my vacation- knowing that I completed the tasks I needed to do before I left.

In the same way, as Christians we need to be motivated to trust in and live for Jesus in this present world as we anticipate the coming wonders of heaven. The hope of heaven is meant to carry us through all the struggles and sorrows of life. If we are sure about the ending of the story, it will provide much-needed perspective and it will help us not to get bogged down with all the distractions of this world. We are able to endure much better when we know something greater is coming. When we know there is an end-date in view, it will provide strength and hope as we go through the toils of living in this world.We need to be examining what fills our mind most often. When we are going through a difficult time, what do we think about? Who or what do we turn to for comfort?  There is a reason Jesus tells us to set our mind on what is above and not on the things  of earth. (Colossians 3:2)

Sometimes I think about my Uncle Sim and what his experience of heaven will be like. He has Down Syndrome and is non-verbal. What will it be like for him to be able to speak perfectly for the first time in the presence of Jesus? I also think a similar thing for myself in the times when I have a hard time saying a word clearly.  One day I won’t ever have to worry about not being understood again and that causes me to look forward to heaven more. When I see my Savior face-to-face my speech will be perfected as I praise Him for His love and grace. That future hope spurs me on in the present.

The joy of our good times on earth can be so fleeting. I think that’s how God planned it so that we don’t get too comfortable in our lives and forget about the far greater world coming. CS Lewis said it like this: “In the truest sense, Christian pilgrims have the best of both worlds. we have joy whenever this world reminds us of the next, and we take solace whenever it does not.”

What if the suffering of this earth helps to prepare us to enjoy more fully the perfections of heaven?

Now we can see in part the beauty of Jesus but one day, we will see in full the greatness of knowing Him as our Savior and Lord. Eternal life is knowing Christ not just someday in heaven, but it starts now as we follow Him daily. When you are reminded of the brokenness of this world, think upon how we are promised that the glories of heaven will far outweigh the suffering we experience here and now. Always remember that to experience the wonders of heaven will be worth every toil and tear of the journey. Think much about heaven each day!