A better country

There can be no question but that trials and sufferings here cause us to think more about our heavenly home. In the midst of Job’s great sufferings he said, “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh I shall see God” ( Job 19:25-26 ). (When the disciples were grieving after Jesus told them He was going away, He comforted them with the truth about their home above. “Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe also in me. In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself, that where I am, there ye may be also” ( John 14:1-3 ).

In a time a prosperity it is easy to become so comfortable with our circumstances that little thought is given to heaven; but when there are losses and heartaches, sickness and death, we are reminded that we are but strangers and pilgrims here and with Abraham “desire a better country, that is, an heavenly.”