The
Hope of Heaven
Therefore
we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet
inwardly we are being renewed day by day. For our light and momentary
troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs
them all.
2
Corinthians 4:16-17
Gently
cradling ten-year-old Shawna, Stephen was amazed at how his little
girl remained so stoic in the face of so much pain. Having been
injured in a horrific grilling accident five years ago, Shawna had
sustained 3rd
degree burns over 25% of her body while walking past the BBQ grill at
the moment a faulty burner exploded.
Shawna had just
undergone the most recent of sixteen surgical procedures since the
accident, to relieve over-stretching of the skin-grafts covering her
left back, side, arm, neck and face. She would need to repeat those
procedures until she reached maturity.
A
silent tear slipped from Stephen's eye as he gazed lovingly into his
exhausted daughter's face; a mixture of peace and pain both visible.
You're my hero, Kiddo...
She
never complained, yet at times cried out when movement or touch
brought sharp pain. She'd quickly say, “I'm okay, Daddy!” doing
her best to alleviate his worry over her suffering. Funny
how kids sense things at such an early age...
Stephen knew the extent of pain and endurance her wounds would demand
of her, as he had been severely injured in a car wreck as a teen. Now
thirty-seven, he hadn't known a day free of pain in over twenty
years. Stephen wasn’t sure what the future held for Shawna, but he
prayed the pain would leave room for living.
†
For those who fight the battle of
severe chronic pain, it can seem like they are merely alive, there is
no living going on; each day is a constant battle to remain upbeat
and positive, and there can be a tendency to lose hope.
In today's text, Paul, not making light
of the severity of our suffering, wants to shift our focus to Heaven,
our glorious reward. He wants us to remember that Earth is not our
eternal home, and we will someday in the not-too-distant-future, find
the peace and comfort that eludes us in the here and now. He strives
to have us know the wonderful joy that awaits our overcoming
anticipation!
If you're dealing with something that
has stolen the prospect of ever finding relief or resolution, don't
lose heart. Greet each morning knowing that the hope of Heaven is not
as far off as it seems in this moment.
Prayer
“Lord, I eagerly
anticipate entering Your glorious presence where my suffering will
cease, and my joy will be complete. Until then, hold me gently.
Amen.”
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