When we go through difficult times we can become discouraged if we believe that this life is all there is. We may question, “What is the purpose of life?” When we have an eternal perspective however, it enables us to persevere in the face of adversity. God gave to the Apostle John a glorious vision of the future:

And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, “Behold, the tabernacle of God is among the people, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, (Revelation 21:3)

In the Old Testament, the tabernacle was the meeting place between sinful mankind and their holy God. Jesus’ redemptive work on the cross enabled mankind to be a temple of the Holy Spirit. The book of Revelation provides a picture of heaven as a place with no more sin, sorrow, or suffering:

and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away.” (Revelation 21:4)

This world is a mere shadow of the glorious beauty of heaven. We cannot imagine the beauty, splendor, and wonder of heaven:

For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worthy to be compared with the glory that is to be revealed to us. (Romans 8:18)

Jesus declared that He is making all things new:

And He who sits on the throne said, “Behold, I am making all things new.” And He said, “Write, for these words are faithful and true.” Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give water to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life, without cost. (Revelation 21:5-6)

We see that Jesus provides refreshment from the spring of the water of life. This hearkens back to His declaration at feast of tabernacles:

Now on the last day, the great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, “If anyone is thirsty, let him come to Me and drink.” (John 7:37)

God has an amazing future for His people. We have a tendency to focus on our circumstances, but Paul encouraged us not to lose heart, but to keep an eternal perspective:

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 4:18)

As you face challenges in this life, you can do so with confidence knowing that God has a glorious future for you:

The one who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son. (Revelation 21:7)

Rick Higgins

Associate Pastor – Discipleship.  The Church at LifePark