Isaiah 65:17 - “See, I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.”

I should have listened to my aunt that day, but I was 12 years old and very impatient. The drive from Maryland to Florida was a long one, but I was up for the journey. It was my cousin’s birthday and we were headed to Florida to celebrate. We packed food, drinks, a few books and other forms of entertainment; loaded up the car and hit the road. My aunt had given us spending money and my mom sent me money the week before. I was all set to have a great time. 

After a few hours of being on the road, we stopped for gas and to stretch our legs. I had grown tired of the snacks in the car, so I decided to go into the store and buy more. My aunt immediately advised against it and suggested that I hold on to my money, since we were not short on food. But it was MY money and I wanted new snacks… so I went in and bought the snacks that I wanted. I did notice the gas station prices were much higher, but I had plenty of money, so I didn’t worry about it. We left that gas station and continued our journey. A few hours later, we stopped for gas again. Then once more a few hours after that. Each time we stopped, I decided to purchase more of the good snacks and other small items that I felt I needed for the journey. I dismissed my aunt’s nagging about saving my money and eating the snacks she had prepared for the long drive. I just wanted to enjoy the journey.

Then, finally, we arrived! I got an immediate jolt of energy and I was so ready to move full steam ahead. We checked into the hotel, put our things away and hit the Florida sights. It didn’t take long for me to realize that I had made a really bad decision. As we visited the stores and gift shops around the city, I realized I didn’t have much money left. I had to sit back and watch my cousin buy cool things and enjoy herself. All I could think about was… “Were those snacks really worth it?” I had gotten so caught up in the journey that I wasn’t prepared for the destination once I arrived.

Pastor Wilson reminded us Sunday that we, as Christians, are on a journey to an incredible place… New heavens and a new earth. God tells us that this earth is not our home, but often we forget and turn all of our focus towards things of this life and making ourselves comfortable. God gives us everything we need for this journey and He gives us promises that we can stand on. We sometimes become impatient while waiting on His promises; and we start to seek out things that God not only disapproves of, but also comes at a significant price.

How often do we find ourselves becoming impatient when waiting for the promises of God? How often do we carelessly spend what God has deemed as valuable and are left holding nothing? I know this journey can be tough, and it’s easy to want our rewards here on earth. However, God has something unimaginably amazing waiting for us at the end of this journey, if we just hold on! Will you be prepared to enjoy it?

Heavenly Father, thank you for the life you have given me here on this earth. Help me to live for you while on this earth, but not live for this world. God, help me to keep my eyes and my heart fixed on the destination and not on the journey itself. In your son’s Jesus’ name. Amen

By: Min. April Carter