Encouragin Words - Pt 10

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose. For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers. And those whom he predestined he also called, and those whom he called he also justified, and those whom he justified he also glorified. (Romans 8:18, 28-30 ESV). The tenth word of encouragement is that this life is temporary. Although you may be suffering right now, it's only temporary. God, who is infinitely wise and skilled, knows just how to care for you. Trust that he is shaping you into someone beautiful, honorable, and good, able to reflect his glory. The Bible is full of metaphors that teach about the brief, temporary, transient nature of life on earth. Life is described as a mist, a fast runner, a breath, and a wisp of smoke. To make the best use of your life, you must never forget two truths: first, compared with eternity, life is extremely brief; and, second, earth is only a temporary residence. You won't be here long. When we begin to see life on earth as God sees it, we are able to gain a perspective that brings great encouragement. While I live in Middle Tennessee where the area code is “931,” I still retain my Texas phone number. It has an “817” area code. I am often asked why I haven’t changed it. Well, the simple answer is that I’m really too lazy to learn another number. After all I’ve had this number since it was a bag phone! Reflecting over the history of the last forty five years since Mary and I were married, it is easy to lose track of the number of addresses we have had. This is especially true in the early days of our marriage. While in school we lived in five different houses/apartments over a period of four years! Our first rent house was the shortest stay of any as we lived there barely over a month. Mary said the last straw was when a stray cow walked up to the bedroom window and “mooed” her awake. I must admit, it was a bit primitive. We’ve lived in ten different cities over that period of time; which is somewhat remarkable when you remember we were in one of those cities for seventeen years! We have pictures of all of the places we have lived, but none of them are our final destination. They were all temporary. Only heaven is permanent. Someday, when I make that final move, I’ll really be home. That knowledge makes everything that happens so much easier to deal with. Be encouraged! This place is not your home either. God is preparing a perfect home for you. He will come and get you and take you there himself. It is his unalterable promise.