eternity awaits

By Saron Tadesse (WITHIN Devotional Writer)

“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed in us” - Romans 8:18
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The other day my friend and I were having a conversation about our worries and anxieties in regards to our life. We were overwhelmed with the number of things that were going on in each of our lives and how things were changing fast. While sharing what was occupying our minds, we realized how our vision was short-sighted. We were concerned for the now, for the cares of this world. Our perspective was limited to how we can get through this life and not on how our lives will have an impact on eternity. Our next breath is not even promised yet we were living as if we were certain of the length of our days. 
The truth is, this world is not all that there is. There is more to life than just getting through the day. There is more to our present-day sufferings. If this world were the ultimate place we were destined to live, that would have been tragic. However, we are just passing through. What we think is a lifetime is nothing compared to the eternity we will get to spend with our Creator.

I was always amazed at the resilience the apostles had when they faced persecution. They would rejoice when they were flogged for preaching the gospel. They were imprisoned, stoned, hunted down, and yet the New Testament is full of hope. This is not the ordinary kind of hope we feel when we think things are going to be okay. They had the kind of hope that was unwavering regardless of the unending persecution they endured. They understood that their pain and suffering was worth the gospel. They knew that their present-day worries were just that: present day worries. They were concerned about the significance of their lives in eternity, so they chased their purpose with full intensity no matter what. 
I wonder how different our lives would be if we judged our circumstances in light of eternity. We would have a much bigger perspective on our present-day sufferings. We would understand that this world is not permanent and easily surrender our cares under the feet of our savior. We would not put our hope in our tomorrow, because we know even our next breath is not promised. We would be unapologetic with our faith because the more people added to God’s kingdom, the bigger our family in heaven will be. 
It is easy to get sucked into the cares of this world. But we are commanded to seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness first (Mt 6:33).. And no matter how discouraging this world gets, we can be encouraged knowing this is not our real home. We are in the world but not of it. 
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The weekly devotionals seek to encourage you to dig deeper into Scripture as you take the time to daily read, meditate, and internalize the verses in the devotional, along with the passages provided below to give greater context. Take the time to read them throughout the week (repetition is important) and ask the Holy Spirit to help you grasp what God is showing you about Himself, about you, and how to live in light of these truths. 

Passages to read/memorize/meditate:

Colossians 3:2
Romans 8:18
2 Corinthians 4:8-9


Questions to Reflect on:

1. What areas of your life worry you the most? Would those worries affect you the same if you saw them in light of eternity?
   
2. How different would your lifestyle be if you lived everyday with the awareness that your actions today would have significance in eternity?