2 Corinthians 5:4-5
4 For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened—not that we would be unclothed, but that we would be further clothed, so that what is mortal may be swallowed up by life. 5 He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
This is the time of year when many families are getting ready to go camping. I have told you about my first camp experience in an outfitters tent when I was a boy. Though I’m sure it was challenging, it didn’t stop us from camping. Later in life, it has still not stopped me from tent camping!
As families head out, the first few night is usually wonderful, but then reality begins to take its toll. By the end of the first week, most people feel a bit frazzled. This is especially true if the weather has been difficult, as in hot, rainy, or buggy.
We had one camp that we attempted in the middle of a drought and heat wave. We ended up just coming home to survive. I didn’t see it as a defeat. It was a blessing to have a real home waiting for our return.
Our Heavenly Father sustains us through the trials of this life. He is our real home. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection we are His. This life does have many joys, despite the attacks of the evil one and the sins of evil men. This is due to our Father’s Love. But we should not fall in love with our present “tent living” situation. There is more. There is better.
As Christians we confess the resurrection and eternal life. We remember that God’s faithful love for us in Jesus includes our eternal Home with Him. This is our sustaining joy now, and our joyful homecoming at the resurrection.
Let us pray,
I thank you Lord for sustaining me in all the trials that I face in this life. I thank you for continuing to bring joy to this creation and peace to my soul. Most of all, I thank you for the future that you have given me through faith in Jesus my Savior. Please bless and strengthen all who trust in you. May we be sustained in our trials, and be found at last in your perfect joy. In Your Name I pray, AMEN
The Lord’s Prayer
Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name, Thy kingdom come,Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven; give us this day our daily bread; and forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us; and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever and ever. Amen.