For this world is not our permanent home; we are looking forward to a home yet to come.‬‬

Hebrews‬ ‭13‬:‭14‬ ‭NLT

My son lost someone in his household this weekend. While we were celebrating a graduation, birthdays, and Father’s Day, another family was facing a tragedy. When I consider their pain I realize how my life is not as bad as I make it out to be. The time I spend in my anxious thoughts is out of balance with the abundance of blessings I have received.

Death often stirs up questions about what happens next, so that’s where we’ll go searching.

Eternal life is to know you, the only true God, and to know Jesus Christ, the one you sent.‬‬

John‬ ‭17‬:‭3‬ ‭CEV

These are words spoken by Jesus to his Father. Look at the preceding verses.

Father, the time has come for you to bring glory to your Son, in order that he may bring glory to you. And you gave him power over all people, so he would give eternal life to everyone you give him.
‭‭John‬ ‭17‬:‭1b‬-‭2‬ ‭CEV‬‬

Further in this prayer he prays for you.

I am not praying just for these followers. I am also praying for everyone else who will have faith because of what my followers will say about me.‬‬

John‬ ‭17‬:‭20‬ ‭CEV

Our testimony is powerful! If we don’t speak about our faith in Jesus and what he has accomplished in our life we are missing the opportunity to be part of the birth of someone’s faith.

Paul expresses the struggle between life and death. He suffered physically over and over as detailed in his accounts, yet this was his determination:

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.

Philippians‬ ‭1‬:‭22‬-‭24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

This should encourage us in knowing that while we are here there is someone who needs to hear our story. But there will come a time when our work is done. We can let go of this life and go home to our Lord Jesus.

We aren’t given a time and a date for our departure, but it will come. Will you pray with me?

Lord Jesus you have given me the greatest gift, the gift of eternal life. And you have given me everything I need to share my story so that someone will come to know you and receive this same gift. Help me to shine like your word says I should that the Father will be glorified.

Here’s another way to put it: You’re here to be light, bringing out the God-colors in the world. God is not a secret to be kept. We’re going public with this, as public as a city on a hill. If I make you light-bearers, you don’t think I’m going to hide you under a bucket, do you? I’m putting you on a light stand. Now that I’ve put you there on a hilltop, on a light stand—shine! Keep open house; be generous with your lives. By opening up to others, you’ll prompt people to open up with God, this generous Father in heaven.

Matthew‬ ‭5‬:‭14‬-‭16‬ ‭MSG‬‬

Grace & Peace,

Sandy

In memory of those who’ve gone on before me this year: Julie, Janice, and Bonnie.

Image created in Canva.