A few weeks ago, I hosted a gathering with my friends and I was so excited for the day to come. I remember imagining how things would go and look like. My expectations were that people would arrive in the late afternoon and because my group of friends are known to be late, we would probably be complete in attendance by the first hour. We would begin in devotion, eat, and then play some embarrassing games I love forcing people into (s/o to my introverted friends). Although I had an idea of how things would go, one thing I knew more certain of, was that the day would come… and it did, and it was a wonderful time.
Recently, I have been reminded of eternity with Jesus and how that day too, will come. You may have heard it many times: “Jesus is coming soon!” “They’re in heaven now, and one day we will meet them again.” “After we die, we’ll be with God in heaven.” But how much of this actually sinks into believing it as reality? Today I am filled with joy, remembering that being with Jesus in heaven is in fact going to happen one day, just like the event I had planned for came to be. We don’t know when He will call us home, but we have an idea, from the bible, of what to expect - I can’t wait!
Saying this, many Christians, including myself have at one time or another felt completely abandoned by God - having the enemy pour in lies into our life. If this is you, know that you’re not alone and that God promises to never leave his people. Deuteronomy 31:6 reads, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” If this wasn’t enough encouragement, I hope that this article would help: https://www.desiringgod.org/interviews/what-to-do-when-god-feels-distant.
Lastly, in Acts 20:24 Paul, a man who once hated and killed Christians says, “However, I consider my life worth nothing to me; my only aim is to finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me—the task of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.” Paul was only able to say such a profound statement after an encounter with Jesus (Acts 9:1-22) where he then believed and devoted his life to sharing the hope that is in Jesus. This is the hope that we eagerly share with the children, youth, and parents in the communities of Flemingdon Park, Jane & Finch, Kingston-Galloway, St James Town, Victoria Village, and Willowtree, - Toronto’s priority neighbourhoods.
To find out more about how you can contribute, visit our Spark! page, where you are invited to give purposefully through praying, volunteering, and giving financially : http://www.torontocitymission.com/donate
May the peace, joy and love of God be with you all.