A quick word of caution: You may want to keep a tissue nearby.

An elderly man lay in a hospital bed, his strength quickly fading. Realizing the end was near, the doctors and nurses contacted his family.

Soon, his room was filled with the people he loved most. He held the hand of his wife of 50 years as he looked at his son and grandchildren. Then, with the little strength he had left, he whispered, “Don’t cry. I’ll see all of you again. This was never my permanent home. I’m only passing through.”

A moment later, he looked up and said, “I can see the Lord’s face.”

Peacefully, he closed his eyes and went to be with the Lord.

What a beautiful reminder of the hope we have in Christ!

“For this world is not our permanent home. We are looking forward to a world yet to come” (Hebrews 13:14).

The writer of Hebrews wanted his readers to remember that this world was not their final destination. They were facing difficult circumstances, and they needed encouragement to keep going. Their struggles were real, but those struggles did not tell the whole story. God was still with them, and a better day was coming.

We need that same reminder today.

Life can be difficult. We face disappointments, deal with heartache, and experience struggles we never expected. Sometimes, the challenges of today can make it difficult to see beyond the moment we are in, but as followers of Christ, we have a hope that reaches beyond our present circumstances. This world is not our permanent home.

The pain we experience here will not last forever. One day, the struggles of this life will give way to something far better. We are looking forward to Heaven!

Although we cannot fully comprehend all that awaits us, Scripture gives us glimpses of the glorious future God has prepared. Revelation 21:4 promises that God will wipe away every tear and that there will be no more death, sorrow, crying, or pain. Isaiah 35:5–6 paints a picture of healing and restoration, where the blind will see and the deaf will hear.

Think about that for a moment. No more heartache. No more suffering. No more saying goodbye to the people we love. The struggles that weigh us down today will not follow us into eternity.

Heaven will be glorious!

Are you struggling today? Take heart. Your current circumstances are not the end of your story. Whatever you are facing, remember that this world is only temporary. Through Jesus, we have the promise of an eternal home where we will be with the Lord forever.

We are only passing through. Our permanent home is still ahead, and what awaits us is far greater than anything this world can offer.

Dwell on that promise today, and let it encourage you to keep going.

Thanks for reading.