A couple hours ago I purchased an airplane ticket to fly to Los Angeles this weekend for a family reunion. One of the most important things to consider when booking a flight (besides finding a good deal on Expedia) is where to sit during your plane trip. Should I pick a window seat or an aisle seat? And (if you have more money than I do) should I be in coach, business, or first class?
After weighing pros and cons, I usually choose a window seat so I can easily daydream about the lives of the people in the cities miles below me. Looking out the window at the sunlight-tinted clouds and bright blue skies around me, I'm also reminded of one of God's greatest promises to me and all Christians-the guarantee that we will spend eternity in heaven with Him. During stressful times at school or work, in daily life, or in the midst of our country's political unrest, it is important to not only remember this source of hope but also four other key promises God has made to us in the Bible.
God has made it clear in his Word that he will always be with us and will “never leave or forsake us” even in tough times (Hebrews 13:5). Our relationships with others may fade or wane, but the Lord is a “friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24). He is someone you can turn to whenever you need help, encouragement, or advice. The Lord lives within us in the form of the Holy Spirit “who dwells within our hearts” (Ephesians 3:17).
Just like a genuine friend who is loyal and honest, God always wants what is best for us. Sometimes what we believe is right for us is different than what God thinks is good for us. We can try to pursue our goals and make decisions but things often do not go as we intended. When we fail or get frustrated we need to remember that the Lord has "plans to prosper us and not to harm us" and that his vision for our lives is immeasurably greater than we could ever imagine (Jeremiah 29:11). God works every difficult situation, heartbreak, mistake, and "all things together for the good of those who love him" (Romans 8:28).
One of the reasons why God wants us to succeed and experience growth is because he loves us unconditionally. He has "loved us with an everlasting love" (Jeremiah 31:3) and his "steadfast love is better than life" (Psalm 63:6). He showed his affection towards us when he sent his son, Jesus, to the world. Jesus "laid down his life for us while we were still sinners" so we might have eternal life (1 John 3:16). As Christians we are called to show similar grace and kindness towards all those around us.
Since we have been forgiven of our sins, we not only have the guarantee we will spend eternity in heaven but also the hope that the highs and lows of our daily lives will be more bearable with God close by. Jesus died on the cross so that “we may have life and have it abundantly” (John 10:10). Contrary to the message of certain television evangelists, just because we have placed our faith in Christ does not mean our lives will always be wonderful. We will still encounter failure, struggles, and conflict, but it easier to go through those things with God by our side than by ourselves. Even though the Lord is with us, sometimes we feel hopeless and lost because of difficult circumstances. When this happens we need to remember that we will eventually spend forever with the Lord in heaven. In that glorious place there will be “no more death or sorrow or crying or pain” but only peace and joy (Revelation 21:4).
Whether you are flying high above the clouds and staring out the window of an airplane or going through your daily routine, I hope you will never forget this promise of eternal life and all the other wonderful blessings God bestows on those who love him.
