One day in Your House

I think it’s been hard for me to write a blog post over the past month because I have been trying to look for evidence of God in this world. Since I last posted, tragedy in the community has happened, we have seen people close to us pass or get sick, and plenty of people have had the happiest days of their lives or the worst days ever. But that doesn’t discount anything in between either. God’s presence is everywhere, but sometimes I get so caught up in why things can’t change in this world that I really miss what is my purpose here. I am not meant to fix anything but things won’t change. My eyes are fixed on heaven where everything will be better because that is what the Lord promises to those who believe in Him. On earth I am not promised anything, but everything I do get is a gift because of the blood of Jesus. For non-Christian’s and even for some believers it is hard to grasp that you do not have a “right” to anything in this life. Your "right" is bought and purchased for you on the cross, by God’s grace we are still here to have the opportunity to spread the gospel.

One thing about me that some people might not know is I am always a day late and a dollar short when it comes to being well versed in popular songs. I will always “discover” a song that has been out for at least 5 years and think it is the best thing ever. I’ll send it to my friends and they’ve already listened or have been listening to it because it obviously is old. Well it happened again with a song that I personally really like as of right now. The line that is repeated over and over is “one day here in Your house, better than a thousand elsewhere”. How beautiful is that! Just imagining a life where there is no pain and suffering anymore gives me so much hope for the future. There can be pain and heartache but despite it all we find strength in God to persevere through the hard times in order to make disciples. I think of Elizabeth Elliott when it comes to this scenario. Her and her husband were missionaries and in the country they were staying in her husband was murdered by the natives. Instead of being angry she went back to preach the gospel to these people who had wronged her. Now if that isn’t a kingdom mindset I don’t know what is. 

One verse comes to mind thinking of one day spent in the Lords house “this world is tiring but we “take heart because He has overcome the world” (John 16:33).”. I don’t have to worry about anything because one day spent in His house is going to be better than a thousand elsewhere. No matter whether you’re just trying to get through the day, trying to see the Lord in hard times, or living the best life you could have ever imagined, Heaven will be so much better. God has saved a seat just for us at His table and rejoices when we choose Him over the things of this world. Times will be hard because saying no to things here is saying yes to things above. Have a heaven mindset over anything else.

This post is dedicated to a faithful follower of the Teary Eyed Christian and also to her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Ruth Childers was a woman made for the job of a pastors wife and faithfully served in that role for many years. The Lord welcomed her home as a good and faithful servant.

May the peace and love of God be with you always,

Leah Carpenter