In my Father's house are many mansions:

Thought for the Week

 

In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so , I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also--John 14:2-3.

 

It now seems as if the years of my life from the day I entered this world some 82 years ago have literally flown by so quickly. As I have grown older my body has become frail and weak with age often causing days and nights to be somewhat weary. It is now that my heart is pained and weariness sometimes sweeps down over my soul as I helplessly stand by and watch as that terrible disease, Dementia Alzheimer controls the life of my beloved wife of almost 58 years and is slowly taking her from me. I am confident that many who now read these words are also experiencing some great burden under which you too groan (2 Cor. 5:2-4). It is imperative that we never let the burdens of life cause our faith in God to falter. With all my heart, I am convinced that so long as we keep our eyes on the heavenly goal (Phil. 3:13-14; Col. 3:1-2), so long as we trust in the Lord with all our heart (Ps. 31:1, 62:8; Prov. 3:5; 1 Tim. 4:10), so long as we spread it before our Lord (1 Thess 5:17; Phil. 4:6-7; Heb. 4:16) he will grant to us the measure of strength, courage, patience and understanding to see us safely through each day. Do you believe this? I do and pray you do also (Rom. 8:28-39).

 

A home in heaven is a promise God has given to us and it is a promise that marks the dawning of a better day (Rev. 21:1-4). With our human eyes we have seen the glitter of gold and we have over time beheld some wondrous things on our travel through life. I have stood high up on the Great Smoky Mountains in the dead of winter and beheld a winter wonderland so beautiful. I have heard the majestic roar and seen the splendor of a great waterfall. I have heard the laughter of my children and seen the beauty of my beloved's smile. I have no doubt that many of you, if not all of you, can say "me too". But nothing we have ever seen or heard can begin to compare with the beauty. splender and glory of that eternal home that will one day be ours if we are faithful to our Lord. Truly, as we often sing, "Heaven will surely be worth it all".  Forgive me for the personal nature of this Thought. I only pray that it will be a source of encouragement for all who are  struggling under the weight of a great burden.

 

Charles Hicks