A wonderful life, conclusion

Perhaps we go through times in our lives when we feel just like that little guy up there -- running and running and not getting anywhere?

This week, we are pausing to count our blessings. We are looking at the wonderful Christian life we are blessed with, as we begin our study of II Peter. Yesterday, we mentioned that we will have a new home -- a beautiful and eternal home.

We also have the promise of a reunion there! The angels are there, and the prophets and our loved ones will be there. Our Father is there, and we will see Him, face to face. We will worship Him and praise Him, and we'll bow before Jesus, the Lamb of God. While we are here on earth, we live by faith:

For we live by faith, not by sight. (II Corinthians 5:7)

Then we will see Him!

For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I am fully known. (I Corinthians 13:12)

We will hear Him say, "Well done," and we are promised to be with Him for eternity! Of course, there are certain things that WON'T be in heaven..... no more sickness, no more pain, no crying or sadness, no death, no grief. And no more sin -- no more Satan!
As wonderful as heaven will be, the Christian life "down here" is wonderful, too!
We are privileged to talk to Almighty God in prayer. We can go boldly before His throne and ask for our requests. We can communicate with our Savior.

This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us. (I John 5:14)

And, we have the Bible, the wonderful Word of God. He can speak to us through His word; He can lead us and direct us.

All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness,  (II Timothy 3:16)

We have Jesus for our protector -- He keeps us from evil, from temptation, and from harm. He also is our provider; we know that He not only provides our physical needs, but also with strength for each day.  Through His Spirit we are comforted, and He promised to bear our burdens and to give us peace.

As we live this wonderful life as believers, we can have assurance of what Peter told us in these verses: God has given us all that we need for this life. He is always with us; He will never, ever leave us or forsake us, and His love never fails. No one can pluck us from His hand.

Keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said,“Never will I leave you;    never will I forsake you.”
6 So we say with confidence,“The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid.    What can mere mortals do to me?” (Hebrews 13:5-6)

 Precious promises!