From Creation to CallingSample

What are you looking forward to? Most of us live looking forward to something: going off to college, having a family, or excelling in a career. A future goal or destination can keep us motivated, help us stay focused, and give us hope when we need it. But if our ultimate hope is in the next adventure, we’ll never be satisfied. There will always be another level we strive to reach. That never-ending pursuit of “what’s next?” can consume us. But we need to recognize that as Christians, we can look forward to something more than an incredible experience or future wealth. We look forward to eternity in heaven. To many of us, heaven feels theoretical. But the Bible shows us that heaven isn’t just a spiritual frame of mind or a bunch of disembodied spirits floating around. It’s a physical place, filled with real people in new bodies, finally free from pain and sorrow and enjoying the fullness of God’s presence and glory. While our culture pushes us to keep striving, improving, and working toward a better version of ourselves on earth, we put our hope in God, knowing that in heaven He will redeem every bit of our brokenness.

While our culture tells us that overcoming our weaknesses and pursuing popularity is the key to success, God offers something different. Instead of tirelessly trying to reach our personal “best self” or achieve the next goal, God invites us to simply rest in the reality of our identity in Christ and our future in heaven with Him.

Reflection Questions:

1. Do you find yourself getting caught up in the world’s push to achieve and improve? How is God’s invitation different?

2. What are some ways you can rest and embrace who you are in Christ?

3. Does the hope of heaven feel real to you or just theoretical? Ask God to help you embrace the reality of your future hope and live looking forward to enjoying His presence forever.