Not Heaven

by Macy Johnson

“Record my lament;

list my tears on your scroll –

are they not in your record?”

(Psalm 56:8 NIV)

 

Sunday morning I glanced out my window to catch an exquisite pre-sunrise. Shades of pink and purple splashed across the sky and announced the sun’s arrival. I walked out on my balcony to thank my heavenly Father for such a brilliant display of His glory. Hummingbirds whirred below me in the salvia bush while purple martins swooped over the water by the dock.

 

As I cradled my cup of coffee, God reminded me of the sufferings of souls in my circle of friends and family. Prayer requests had been poured upon me in the past weeks like buckets of rainwater. Although I was not completely healed from my injury, He opened my eyes to the needs around me and helped me forget my struggles.

 

The Holy Spirit methodically revealed the names and faces I needed to lift to Him: a loved one in the hospital, another in rehabilitation, and others struggling in various ways. Each needed support on earth and from heaven. So many faces with so many needs.

 

“Why all the suffering, Lord?” I asked. I had just celebrated a significant birthday and looked forward to many more years of service on earth. My joy seemed foolish and futile in the midst of pain swirling around me.

 

Just then the sun peeked over the trees across the lake and reminded me that there is a Light at the end of the tunnel. Suffering on earth is not the end - there is no true Heaven here. Rest and fulfillment come later, after we enjoy life with Him on this planet for a short time.    

 

I will trust God to keep me strong in my struggles as I lift others up to Him. I hope you will, too!