Sept.3

Services

Sun. 10:am & Wed. 6:30 pm Thur.10:30 AM

by: Billy Graham

09/03/2026

0

Hope for Today, Hope for Eternity
“I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.”
—Philippians 1:23
Her pain was more than physical. Over the years the crippling arthritis had taken its toll on her emotions as well, and now she was praying that God would take her to heaven. Was this prayer, she asked me timidly, wrong or even sinful?

First of all (I reminded her), it is not a sin to long for heaven. If we know Jesus, we know that in heaven all our burdens and pain will be lifted forever. It is, as the apostle Paul stated, “better by far” to be in heaven with Jesus than to be suffering on this sin-filled earth.

At the same time, though, God has a purpose in keeping us here until He finally takes us home. He has things to teach us about Himself, and He can still use us to bless others. Only eternity will reveal the powerful ways God used the prayers and the witness of men and women who could no longer do everything they once did but who still trusted God to use them.

Keep your eyes on eternity—but also seek Christ’s will for you right now, no matter what you are facing.
Wisdom for Today

Every person who has trusted in You, Lord, desires to be in Your presence because we know it is far better. In the meantime, however, let us not be idle. Let us be passionately praying, pursuing holiness, and pointing others to You.
Blog comments will be sent to the moderator
Hope for Today, Hope for Eternity
“I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.”
—Philippians 1:23
Her pain was more than physical. Over the years the crippling arthritis had taken its toll on her emotions as well, and now she was praying that God would take her to heaven. Was this prayer, she asked me timidly, wrong or even sinful?

First of all (I reminded her), it is not a sin to long for heaven. If we know Jesus, we know that in heaven all our burdens and pain will be lifted forever. It is, as the apostle Paul stated, “better by far” to be in heaven with Jesus than to be suffering on this sin-filled earth.

At the same time, though, God has a purpose in keeping us here until He finally takes us home. He has things to teach us about Himself, and He can still use us to bless others. Only eternity will reveal the powerful ways God used the prayers and the witness of men and women who could no longer do everything they once did but who still trusted God to use them.

Keep your eyes on eternity—but also seek Christ’s will for you right now, no matter what you are facing.
Wisdom for Today

Every person who has trusted in You, Lord, desires to be in Your presence because we know it is far better. In the meantime, however, let us not be idle. Let us be passionately praying, pursuing holiness, and pointing others to You.
cancel save

0 Comments on this post:

write a comment
post comment cancel