The other day, the Lord reminded me of how fleeting this current life really is, and how this short amount of time on earth effects our eternity. He brought me to a very powerful story found in Luke that can encourage those who face trials and needs beyond their control. Please take a moment to read the following story;
Luke 16:19-31
New International Version (NIV)
The Rich Man and Lazarus
19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’
25 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’
27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’
29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’
30 “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’
31 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”
Everyone has a different story and a different journey. Some of us will face trials, like Lazarus, during this lifetime. Where there will be wounds/needs that are visible to others around us that will be ignored, or maybe perhaps wounds that lie deep beneath the surface.
Regardless, this temporary journey can be a very painful and lonely walk for Children of Substance Abuse, like Lazarus having his wounds licked by dogs. You may find yourself wondering sometimes "Why won't anyone step in and help me?" Be encouraged though, because you are not alone.
From this passage, we can conclude that those in Heaven see all. Abraham in Heaven was fully aware of the life the rich man and Lazarus had lived. Christ came to save us from this cursed and fallen world that we currently reside in, and through Him we will find our hope of comfort and justice. For those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ they will be comforted and forever live in eternity with God.
In this lifetime for those that know Christ, Earth is the closest thing to Hell that they will have to experience and/or endure. Which is VERY encouraging, because we have much to look forward to in Heaven! Imagine a place centered around love with no sin.
At first thought it might not be comprehendible. A life with no yelling, abuse or fear? A place that exists where you don't have to walk on eggshells 24/7 because you fear you might say or do the wrong thing to cause a fight? I look forward to knowing and experiencing that kind of peace and love that can only come from God.
Unfortunately, for those that reject the son of God, this is the closest thing to Heaven that they will ever know or experience. The choices we make during this lifetime matter, and are observed by those we cannot see. No matter your circumstance make today count.
Perhaps, there is not much you can do to change your circumstance, but you can choose the way you respond to your circumstance. Find healthy supportive outlets along your journey to seek encouragement. Surround yourself with people that know the Lord and will help you during your difficult journey. Do not journey down the same path of those that have inflicted pain upon you. For God will hold you accountable for your actions.
Finally, for those of you that might be living the life of the rich man, open your eyes. This journey is far too short to blindly walk a self absorbed life straight into the pit of Hell. You cannot take your material possessions with you when you die, and this world is not all about YOU and what YOU want. Humble yourself and seek God. View your possessions and blessings not as your own, but as God's. Whatever you have been given use it to bring glory to God and to bless those around you. Each day we are given is a fresh new start. Therefore, reevaluate who you are living for, and carefully determine how you want to spend your eternity.
