11252018 Eternal Rest

Dear Missionary Lady,

Greetings. I hope you and your families are well. I've had a crazy few days and am still recovering, but I wanted to send at least a brief note to let you know I am thinking of you and praying for you.

I live a little more than two hours away from my parents and just traveled there  and back to spend a few days with them. Four of the five siblings were there, along with five grandchildren (my nieces and nephews). We had a house full most of the time I was there, which led to much more chaos and considerably more activity than I am used to. It was nice to have the visit, though somewhat hard on me physically. I returned yesterday to try to recuperate before the work week. I thought I would share a few spiritual thoughts that parallel my trip.

First, the joy that we share with earthly family is just a small taste of what heaven will be like. What joy it will be to gather with our Savior and our brothers and sisters in Christ in perfect, eternal fellowship! As good as family sharing is, that will be far better.

Second, my earthly body is weak, but in that heavenly gathering I will never have to be careful or concerned about wearing myself out. Life on this broken earth will come to an end, and heaven will be uninterrupted joy and bliss. We can deal with this life's troubles when we remember what awaits.

Third, sometimes temporary pain and discomfort is an acceptable trade for some kind of pleasure. I wouldn't have sacrificed the family time in order to avoid the physical challenge Likewise, this earth does present its pains and challenges as we serve God, but when we consider the conclusion, we would not avoid the earthly burdens at the cost of losing the eternal significance.

Fourth, as I take some time to rest, I know that my rest is short-lived. I will have to go back to work and will get tired again. But the day of eternal rest is coming. In heaven the rest will not be temporary, fleeting, or insufficient. Earthly frailty and imperfection will be abolished permanently.

Whether thinking of physical discomfort, the challenges of ministry, or any other struggle, the hymn is wonderfully true, as it states,

"It will be worth it all when we see Jesus!

Life's trials will seem so small when we see Christ.
One glimpse of His dear face, all sorrow will erase.
So, bravely run the race till we see Christ." (Esther Rusthoi)

Keep on this week. Try to look past the temporary trials to see the eternal rest. What you do today matters for eternity. "For I reckon that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory which shall be revealed in us" (Romans 8:18).

Love in Christ,

Peggy Holt
member at Open Door Baptist Church in Lebanon, PA
www.pressingontohigherground.blogspot.com