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Yesterday morning I was aware of God’s presence as Rob presented a message on Heaven.  The topic was chosen weeks ago, when there was no way of knowing that our country would be grieving the loss of 27 people whose lives were needlessly cut short on Friday.

Being absent from this body means to be present with the Lord.  No more tears, no more suffering, no more evil..what more do I really need to know?

But we do want more information, don’t we?  We want to know the why and how of everything – God has made us a curious lot.  Rob opened up the scriptures and painted a Biblical picture of Heaven –  as accurately and with as much detail as it is possible to understand from “this side” with the information God has chosen to reveal to us.

I listened from my seat among friends, family and folks I don’t yet know, each of us with our own version of the story of living in a fallen world…parents who have lost children, spouses who have suffered infidelity, those who have gotten the worst possible news from the doctor, widows of all ages,  people who have struggled with addiction, or with an addict.  There is not one of us who will make it through this life untouched by some measure of pain and sorrow.  And yet, the awfulness of Friday is far beyond what I have personally had to bear.  I can’t imagine how painful and frightening it was for them. No one should have to go through that. No one.

I am sure that for many people, this is a great faith-shaker.  I get that.  And I am confident that God is mighty enough to handle all questions, doubts and anger that come His way. For me, this fuels a fire inside my soul to trust God all the more.  In the midst of wondering “why,” I am choosing to keep my eyes fixed on the hope of heaven.  I am choosing to be aware of and remember all the blessings and generosity God has poured out on me (forgiveness, mercy, grace, love, assurance) so that on days like Friday, I can run to Him and not question His goodness.  God’s power is not limited or diminished by evil acts – on the contrary; He alone is powerful enough to redeem our circumstances and recycle our pain into something that will somehow be useful to us for the remainder of our stay here (Romans 8:28.)

I am thankful for the reminder that this earth is not my home – that we currently live in a time of struggle, but that one day, we can be in God’s very presence and struggle no more.  It is the only logical explanation.  Thank you, Jesus.