Adapted from ‘The Journey: How to Live By Faith in an Uncertain World’ by Billy Graham (W Publishing Group, 2006). Used by Permission.
Heaven is real—but what difference does it make right now? Is the old quip true, that Christians are so heavenly minded they aren’t any earthly good? Definitely not—and in fact the opposite should be the case.
As we near the end of journaling through The Journey, let’s consider three differences that the reality of heaven makes in our lives.
First, because heaven is real, we have hope: hope for the future, and hope for our lives right now. No matter what happens to us know, we know it won’t last forever, and ahead of us is the joy of heaven. Paul wrote, “If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are to be pitied more than all men” (1 Corinthians 15:19). But our hope isn’t only for this life. In the midst of life’s storms, our hope in God’s promise of heaven is “an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Hebrews 6:19).
Today, write a list of the various trials you’re facing now, whether they are temptations, conflicts with other people, problems at school or work, illnesses, financial woes, or anything else. List them all. Then, pray over the list, and tell God how much you appreciate that all these problems are temporary.