Many of us look forward to heaven, but are a little concerned about what we may have to go through before we get there.
I remember being at the bedside of one of the living saints of God when she recovered from an illness that almost ended her earthly life.
I was ready to celebrate with her, but she was angry. She said, “Why? Why didn’t He take me? I was ready. And now I will have to go through everything all over again.”
In spite of her complaints, she made a full recovery and led us as our Sunday School teacher into her 90s before she went Home. What she thought was “her time” was not her time. She was living on The Lord’s Time.
Jesus was ready to go to Heaven. His prayers in the garden showed anguish in anticipating the suffering that lay ahead of Him. But He also showed a surrender to God’s Will for Him.
He walked the road to Calvary. He suffered until it was time to go.
He said to His Father with confidence, “I have brought You Glory on earth by finishing the work You gave Me to do.”
John 17:4
I have not suffered as many others have. I am thankful. But in my suffering, I do find myself thinking, “Could I just come Home now, Father? Could we just skip this next part and go directly to the happy ending (happy beginning)?”
And He whispers, “Not yet. Finish the work. Bring Me Glory on earth.”
Paul said, “I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.
For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.
If I am to go on living in the body, this will mean fruitful labor for me. Yet what shall I choose? I do not know!
I am torn between the two: I desire to depart and be with Christ, which is better by far; but it is more necessary for you that I remain in the body.
Convinced of this, I know that I will remain, and I will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith.”
Ephesians 1:20-25
And so I continue until God says it’s time to go. I desire to finish the work. I desire to do my part to bring God’s Glory on earth.
I will follow what Paul told me. I will persevere. I will not lose heart.
“Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.
For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.
Consider Him Who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:1-3
