We’ve been dealt a hard blow. Life has changed and it may never, ever be the same. Through a pandemic that includes a cancer journey with my sister-in-law, through loss of jobs or finances for different family members and friends, through loss of caring for grandkids (like my sister is experiencing), or possibly losing the care of foster children after having them in your care for so long they think of you as their safe place (like a daughter is finding). These are hard times. My nephew sits in jail 3 years now and his spouse has regained the responsibility of raising the children. And, unfortunately, the system that works to get the children back to the biological mother doesn’t take the children’s care seriously. Where do we turn?

When many followers of Jesus left because they found His teaching to be too difficult, Jesus asked the twelve if they would leave like the rest. Peter pipes up with an epic response:

“Lord, to whom shall we go? You have [the] words of eternal life” (John 6:68, NASB).

In the Old Testament, King Asa knew. His response at a very critical time: “Lord, there is none beside thee to help!” (2 Chronicles 14:11).

We may never get back to that warm, cozy feel of snuggling down safe and secure in our temporal lives. But that’s a façade and it causes stagnation. Watch and be alert are commands from God’s Word (Matthew 24:42; Mark 13:33)! He desires a people who are diligently walking with Him, being mindful and alert while hiking the rough terrain. Our experience with bloody elbows, sprained ankles and broken bones is painful but, in the end, will be worth it. Jesus has secured the Victory for all who will place their faith and trust in Him for the forgiveness of sins and to have eternal life. “That day” will be the day for lasting peace with the journey ended and a beginning to an eternity in a place safe and secure where there’s no alarms.    

“Regardless of disappointments or dangers, God’s foundation stands firm. Stay focused on the destination, not the journey” –Charles Swindoll.

Is heaven your destination and motivation? Where are you turning?