Awaiting the Change
Growing up in the tropics, Winter is not my favorite season. I love Spring with the new life bursting forth and the flowers, migrating birds, warmer weather, no snow shoveling, etc. We had been getting warmer weather, and I had been watching the snow slowly disappear. Much of our driveway had become visible again. Then we have snow and predictions of more to come. Not a big snowstorm, but enough to make things white again. While it is stunningly beautiful, I am ready for a change. We’re still in February, so I know this longing will likely be on hold until the at least April, although I remember one year when it warmed up in February and stayed nice. When will Winter be done? We know what the calendar says, but reality might vary considerably. If I spend all my time looking for Spring or even Summer, I will waste the season I’ve been given... one without mosquitos or ticks. Each season brings its own challenges and work. Today, we are awaiting the biggest change that is possible... going from this mortal finite world to an eternity. Notice I didn’t say in heaven. Not everyone will be there. There will likely be some that thought they would be there that won’t enter. Why do I say that? We read in Matthew 7, “Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven. Many will say to me on that day, 'Lord, Lord, did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name drive out demons and perform many miracles?' Then I will tell them plainly, 'I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!' God is calling for a genuine faith that motivates us to do God’s will. Those that build on the foundation of God, which is His word, will enter eternity with God in heaven. So, yes, we can long for Heaven as we long for Spring, but we must live in the present with its challenges and successes. Unless Jesus returns before then, Spring is all but guaranteed. Unless we live out our faith in Jesus, Heaven is not guaranteed... only hoped for. I can keep marching through Winter because I know Spring is on its way. Likewise, I can face persecutions and hardships for Christ’s sake because I know Heaven calls all believers. Now is the time to seek the Lord and grow daily in faith, serving faithfully. Father, help us not only to walk more intimately with You each day, but help us to bring others into Your fold. Amen