This is the promise which he promised us, the eternal life.
–1 John 2:25

I love old hymns.

Among my favorites is “When We See Christ,” written in 1941, by Esther Kerr Rusthoi. The chorus includes these words: “It will be worth it all when we see Jesus. Life’s trials will seem so small when we see Christ.”

I especially like that phrase, “Life’s trials will seem so small,” because it puts things into perspective for me.

It reminds me that there is nothing here that won’t be countless times more wonderful there. No matter what I go through, no matter what pain or trauma I endure on earth, I have the promise of heaven — the home God has prepared just for you and me.

God’s plan for us includes eternal life in a place that is perfect beyond our perception. It is a place where we will never get sick, never experience loss, never have to leave; a place that is the fulfillment of God’s most perfect promise.

Jesus came to bring us life in more abundance than ever before (John 10:10). If you accept Jesus as your Savior, then God’s promise of eternity in heaven is your promise too.

Prayer

Holy God, Thank You for the promise of eternal life. Thank You for loving me so much that you want to spend eternity with me. Thank You for sending Jesus to make that possible. In the name of Jesus I pray and give thanks, Amen.

Reflection

What can I do each day to show more gratitude to God for the promise of eternal life?