AFTER A LITTLE WHILE

God has prepared a glorious eternal dwelling place for the followers of Christ. 

The Bible describes it as His perfect Kingdom, free from the devastation caused by sin's corrupting influence. 

Rest for our souls in the 'future', requires that we trudge through the mire of the 'present'. The hardships we experience in this life can feel like the blistering headwind of a never-ending storm, but it is but a brief struggle when compared to eternity ... 

For our momentary, light affliction is producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal. (2 Corinthians 4:17-18)

The Lord Himself prepares us for the transition from this life to the next ... 

After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will perfect, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. (1 Peter 5:10)

He is equipping us to share in His glory forever ... 

God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth. (2 Thessalonians 2:13)

Peter listed four ways we are being transformed in preparation for that day:

 

1. God perfects you ... repairing the damage that sin has wrought. 

2. God confirms you ... validating your position in Christ. 

3. God strengthens you ... infusing spiritual growth and resolve. 

4. God establishes you ... laying an unshakeable foundation.

According to prophecy, we could be going home very soon. Our race will be over, suffering will end, and we'll be welcomed into His Kingdom. 

After a little while ...