When you go out of town, where you plan to stay is important. Even though you’re not home, you’re looking for a place that has the comforts of home so you’ll feel most relaxed. If you’re flying and don’t have a car, you probably want to be within walking distance to all of the attractions you want to see. If you have small children and are headed to the beach, you want to be as close as possible so you’re not carrying stuff for a mile. If you plan to cook, you’ll need a stocked kitchen. You get the idea. You obviously won’t have everything you have at home, but the trip will be more enjoyable if you have a place that works for your situation. You’re only here for a short while. This is a trip, not your home.
This earth, as we know it, is not our final destination. It’s all we know, so it feels like home. But deep inside you know things aren’t quite right here. We’ve just learned to accept that this is the way it is. This, however, was not God’s perfect idea of living. “Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good! And evening passed and morning came, marking the sixth day.” (Genesis 1:31 NLT) This was before Adam and Eve tumbled into the reality we now know as humanity. But let’s not point a finger at them without realizing that we fall for the lies of the enemy also. In fact, every time someone living on planet earth falls prey to the enemy’s plans, it sets in motion a chain reaction of negativity that creates more of a hostile environment. Unfortunately, this will be the way it is until Christ returns. Thank God He made a way for His people to live in His abundance in the midst of the world’s hardships. “The thief does not come except to steal, and to kill, and to destroy. I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” (John 10:10 NKJV)
God wants the best possible for us while we’re here. He wants His people to carry His light and shine it in the darkness on others. He wants people to see that there’s a different way of living. You don’t have to settle for what this world gives. God’s ways are better! “But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them?” (Romans 10:14 NLT) This gives meaning to why we are here. Every single person matters to God and He uses ordinary people to tell them of His love. He uses everyday folks to bring encouragement to the hurting. They have to know that this is not all there is. There’s someone they can run to in time of need. This place is temporary and there’s an eternity waiting for them that is perfection. One day, there will be no more pain for those who choose to make Jesus their Lord.
If you are still breathing, you have purpose and an assignment. You are to live a life that invites people away from chaos and painful living. The enemy wants nothing more than to harm the very people God made in His own image. We are to stand in the gap for them. “Dear friends, I warn you as ‘temporary residents and foreigners’ to keep away from worldly desires that wage war against your very souls.” (1 Peter 2:11 NLT) These “worldly desires” can take you and others down a path you never meant to travel on. The enemy makes these paths look enticing because we’re all looking for an escape from reality. The idea is to realize that God’s plans and ways are far better. They lighten your heavy load because you have The stronger One bearing the weight. Stay focused on Jesus while in this world and don’t get caught in a sticky web you can’t get yourself out of. One day we will be in our final destination where “bad” doesn’t exist. For now, we are here with a purpose but we’re just temporary residents.
Today’s writer is Brandi Crowe. A hairdresser for over 25 years, she is currently the owner of Brandi Crowe salon in Buford, GA. She loves hiking, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with family and friends. Brandi lives in a custom farmhouse with her husband Robby and cat Harold.
