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Ecclesiastes 3:11b – He has also set eternity in the human heart. (NIV 2011)
Three of my neighbours moved away this week into seniors' residences. It seemed rather sudden, but it likely won't affect me since I never knew them very well.
However, when I got a call yesterday from a very dear friend telling me that she will be moving to another city at the end of this month, I felt a sudden sense of loss. She has always occupied a special place in my heart, and her unexpected announcement came as a shock when it struck me that I would very likely never see her again. It was a selfish reaction, since she will be living near her family, who will care for her.
I realized then that I, too, would soon have to be moving on, and that gave me a lot to think about. Nothing remains the same, and as life moves on, so must I, and this includes moving away from my community and friends into a seniors' residence somewhere.
As I thought about the phrase "moving on", I thought of some dear friends who have recently moved on to their heavenly Father's residence, where there are no more health concerns, loneliness, or related problems that go along with aging.
Of course, I miss these friends dearly. That is natural. But I realize that the sense of loss is on my part. I would not wish them back, given the fact that I know that they are rejoicing with the Lord. The tinge of sadness is quickly replaced by a sense of joy when I remember that those who have accepted Christ as Saviour shall all be together again one day. Jesus promised, "In my Father's house are many rooms … I am going there to prepare a place for you." (John 14:2 NIV)
As members of God's family, we will all be rejoicing together one day, and there will be no more separation or sadness. We will be with our Lord for eternity.
Suddenly, a dark cloud edged its way into my thoughts. What of those friends and family who have not yet accepted Jesus as Saviour?
God's mandate is crystal clear. As believers, we are each one of His disciples, and just as Jesus gave the divine commission to His disciples then, He still gives it to us today: "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation." (Mark 16:15 NIV)
As we share with those He leads us to, let us pray fervently that they will accept the invitation that He extends to everyone, "that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." (John 3:16b NIV)
Prayer: Help us, Father, to be prepared for our "moving day" when we will be with You forever. And help us, through Your Holy Spirit, to invite our friends and families to join us there. Amen.
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Good thoughts to ponder Sharon. God bless.
Your devotional touched my heart as I have recently lost a dear Christian friend. Thank you.
Good to here from you, Sharon. A little sad note here but something we must all think about and face (we just said final goodbye to two very dear and long-time friends.)
Yes, Sharon, we have reached the age when we must consider moving on, not just here, but into eternity. May we meet many we’ve helped find Christ Jesus and may many family members be there, too. Thanks for sharing. Blessings.
This was a very appropriate devotion for me today as my husband passed away very recently. He is now moved away to be with the Lord in his heavenly home. Although it is lonely for me he is now without pain and suffering.
Thank you.
Dear Sharon,
Thank you for the devotional with its evangelical zeal, its hope, and gospel messages, all with very well-chosen scripture.
Special thanks for the prayer. I am with you.
Keep writing.
I hurt knowing I have family members, and dear friends who do not know – or want to know Jesus too.
I keep trying to claim them for Him, but my words appear to fall on stony ground. We can only hope that we are planting seeds that will grow and that will cause each one of them to think – and change their minds.
Good message Sharon.
Thank you.
(ON)
I have realized of late, how unprepared I am to actually engage someone in a meaningful conversation about what they and I believe in. Sharing my faith story is not always easy, with just a few minutes to say something about what it means to me to have a relationship with God, through Jesus Christ, that they can understand and relate to. First I have to know something about what they believe and what is important to them. We are called to “preach the gospel to every nation” but most of us, I think, have no clue where to start. Like you, I’m not getting younger. In less than 2 years I’ll be 70. Amazing. Why have I not learned these things long ago? Nobody was teaching, showing me. I hope to learn and then teach others in our churches to be able to communicate faith to the community in a positive way. Otherwise, the church will not survive.
Eternity will be awesome.