Are We There Yet?

But, as it is written, “What no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love him”—these things God has revealed to us through the Spirit. For the Spirit searches everything, even the depths of God. 1 Corinthians 2:9–10

D.L. MOODY
It is said by travelers that in climbing the Alps, the houses of far distant villages can be seen with great distinctness, so that sometimes the number of panes of glass in a church window can be counted. The distance looks so short that the place to which the traveler is journeying appears almost at hand, but after hours and hours of climbing, it seems no nearer. This is because of the clearness of the atmosphere. By perseverance, however, the place is reached at last and the tired traveler finds rest. 
So, sometimes we dwell in high altitudes of grace; heaven seems very near, and the hills of Beulah are in full view. At other times, the clouds and fogs caused by suffering and sin cut off our sight. We are just as near heaven in the one case as we are in the other, and we are just as sure of gaining it if we but keep in the path that Christ has pointed out.

ERWIN LUTZER
Moody’s devotional blesses all of us. It’s true that the eye of faith cannot see heavenly realities. As Paul said, we are unable to comprehend the glories that await us (Romans 8:18). And sometimes, because of the darkness of despair, the spiritual battles we face, and the pressures of life, we forget about the certainty of the future and think only of the present. 
The Holy Spirit is a pledge that there is more to follow. Today we have the shadow, but the true substance is coming. As someone has said, today we get the flower, but someday we will get the garden—our eternal home. 
Are you physically burdened today? Remember a new body and a new home are on their way!

PRAYER
Father, help me embrace the future awaiting me. Guide me to live for eternity, not for today.

REFLECTION QUESTIONS
Read Hebrews 11. What can you learn from the saints of old who looked forward to God’s promises being fulfilled as you await the second coming of Christ?

What can you do to remind yourself daily that heaven is just around the corner?