Courage in the StormSample

Underestimating Heaven and Overestimating Earth

Do not overestimate earth. This is a fallen place racked with sin. That does not mean we can’t enjoy a good meal and have a great time with the grandkids. It does mean that life here is not always going to be sunshine and roses. We overestimate earth and we underestimate heaven. 

The distance that we feel in our heart from God? Those misestimations are aspects that create this distance for us. We’re underestimating heaven. Do you know that there will be a time when, just as you are fully known, you will fully know Him if you are a believer in Jesus Christ? You’re going to sing great songs here on earth. Churches all over the world lead believers in amazing praise and worship, but it does not compare to what is going to happen when we start singing around the throne. It is going to be incredible. Don’t underestimate how great heaven will be. It is going to be absolutely fabulous. 

By no means am I telling you to get to that fabulous place sooner than He wants you there. Still take care of your body and of who you are. Do not harm yourself. Live and love purposefully on Earth and realize the goal here is to impact eternity. It is to hear from our Master, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Paul said he was torn between staying or dying because he knew heaven would be much better. Yet he also knew that while he was on Earth he had to get the job done. This life is about living purposefully and understanding that we can enjoy life on Earth—God wants you to—but not underestimating heaven. 

Underestimating heaven accentuates your feeling of being distant from God. Allow your feelings of distance from God to become a longing for Him. Focus on Him, not the storm. Thank the Lord for praying for you. Thank Him for seeing you through your trial. Thank Him for heaven being a place that will make everything right someday. Thank Him that even here on Earth you have it good because He is good! 

The disciples on the boat during the storm did not feel God’s peace. But Jesus was on the mountainside, and when He was done praying, He saw them. Remember this: If you are going through a storm in your life, Jesus is not only praying for you, but He sees you.