Choosing a faith journey is to choose a marathon of endurance, not a sprint. The marathon runner may not visibly see the finish line as the race lingers on, but the undeniable belief that it exists motivates every step. Prayers that have seemingly gone unanswered, seasons of waiting that stretch too long, and vigorous efforts that are only met with disappointment can leave us tired in our faith. In the midst of the faith fatigue, we start to ask, “Why?” Why am I trying to live right? Why am I struggling when I’ve done what I thought I was supposed to do? Why should I even keep trying when my non-believing friends are having an easier time and way more fun? For followers of Christ, the simple answer to these questions is “For the sake of eternity.” Because even though we have purpose here, there is still more yet to come. The kingdom of God has been established but is not yet complete. It has already been done, yet is not finished. That knowledge and revelation should shape how we navigate life and impact the world we live in. We can push past the tough moments if we keep the end in mind.

What I believe about the end will impact what I do with where I am.

1. God is Redeeming All Things

While many of us carry an image of heaven as a place somewhere high in the clouds, the Bible is clear that heaven will be right here on earth. Heaven is the place where God dwells in this present age. But when the Lord returns, he will create something entirely new.

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

2.  Eternity Effects The Here and Now

For believers in Christ, physical death is not the end of the story; there is an eternal life to follow. The proof of its existence is found in truths that we encounter and experience in our present lives right now.

He has put eternity in their hearts. Ecclesiastes 3:11

To create any grand masterpiece the creator always has the end in mind. God being the creator of all we see created us with the end in mind. His intention was always to give us a life free of shame and life for all eternity. And though we failed and as a consequence now experience physical death, God redeemed us by sending his son Jesus. Regardless of how messy this life may seem, we can rest assured that in the end we win. He has promised to create a new Heaven and a new Earth where we will live with him forever. May we live a life that’s not limited to what we can gain here on Earth, but may we live with the end in mind, eternity with God.