If you have ever been on a road trip, you have probably asked or been asked “are we there yet?” Traveling for a vacation is exciting. It’s natural to anticipate the joy ahead. Likewise, God’s entire creation is also anticipating what is ahead. Scripture reminds us to prepare to reach our final destination. As much as we eagerly await the excitement this world has to offer, we should look ahead with joy to Christ’s return all the more! When Christ returns, we will finally share in the revelation of His kingdom’s glory.
We have been adopted as children of God (Ephesians 1:5). Believing in Christ does not just assure our eternity, but it restores the relationship between you and a perfect Father who loves you, affirms you, and is always there for you. The Father sends the Holy Spirit to live in you and seal you as a co-heir with the Son. We share in all spiritual blessings (Ephesians 1:3), but as co-heirs with Christ, we also must share in His sufferings.
The effects of sin do not discriminate. Sin has tarnished every aspect of this world. Nothing remains as God had designed it to be. It is because of sin that we experience pain. In deep losses and dark places, however, God is there to meet you. We see so much more of the pain Jesus suffered on our behalf through our own personal suffering. Trading in the hard times would be trading in some of those opportunities to better understand who the Lord is and what He has done for us.
In this life we are required to share in His sufferings, but in the future we will share in His glory. The future glory is so grand that our present sufferings are insignificant. The promise of glory can help us endure whatever suffering we are currently facing. We can eagerly await Christ’s return. Suffering is temporary, but glory is eternal.
By receiving Jesus, we have been redeemed and adopted by God (John 1:12). Our pasts are not counted against us, and our future will be shared in the presence of the Lord. We can place our hope in becoming fully conformed to the image of God once Jesus returns. There is a longing for eternity that God has placed in our hearts. As we wait, our bodies groan for something greater. This world is not our home (Philippians 3:20). Hope in God’s future glory will be delivered. As we wait, we must not sit idle. We are called to make disciples by sharing the truth of God to this hurting world (Matthew 5:16). We wait hopefully and expectantly for what the Lord has promised.
