This afternoon I was thinking about the message “Just Passing Through” and found myself in a slight dilemma. In that message we were reminded that “our citizenship is in Heaven” (Philippians 3:20), and how we should never place our hope in the things of this world. Our daily news makes it easier and easier to accept that our security cannot be found in this world. In fact, even non-believers are beginning to believe that “this world in its present form is passing away” (1 Corinthians 7:31).
We are all here for such a short time, “You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14). And one of our constant challenges is to keep our eyes focused on Christ as our eternal hope; “what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal” (2 Corinthians 4:18b). He will never leave us, and His promises are forever!
1 Peter 5:4
“And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the crown of glory that will never fade away.”
All of this I know – I’ve thought about it many times. I try hard to live my life by these enduring truths. The things of this world are temporary. God is eternal. Store up treasures in Heaven because this world is not my home…I’m just passing through. Yes, all of this I know.
But my dilemma occurred because I was looking up at some snow covered hills and sitting in a mountain river at the point where scalding spring water mixes with the frigid mountain water. We had a VERY cold walk back to the truck, but with the hot spring water beating on my shoulders and looking up at the hills, I felt incredibly blessed and was in complete awe of God’s creation.
Today is our sixtieth day of travel and we are currently camped outside the north entrance of Yellowstone National Park. This place is amazing! My daughter Sarah created the above collage from pictures we took the last few days. The wildlife is literally everywhere, the scenery is exquisite, and some things, like the bubbling pools of sulfuric acid, are just plain weird! As we continue to travel this country (and hopefully are able to travel to other parts of the world) we are brought face to face with beauty and majesty – we are brought face to face with God.
My citizenship is in Heaven and my hope is in Christ and Christ alone. And though I understand that all we see is temporary and will certainly fade away, and though I will remember that this world is not my home, I have to admit…it can sure be a great place to visit.
Have a Christ Centered Day!
Steve Troxel
God’s Daily Word Ministries
