Updated January 2024. Recently, I spent time reflecting on the Lord's eminent return. At times, we find ourselves caught up in the worries of today, so much so, we forget the promises that await us. This blog was written shortly after I started sharing about my family's addiction journey. Back then my only hope was in the Lord. It is the same today. Today, I still look forward to the Lord's return, but until then I rejoice knowing he is with us and is preparing a place for those who love him. May these words fill you with hope while you await your homecoming.
“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the old heaven and the old earth had disappeared. And the sea was also gone. And I saw the holy city, the new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven like a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” Revelation 21:1-5 NLT
Homecoming
It’s easy to want to give up. To throw in the towel. We have all said at one point or another, “I just want to go home and be with the Lord. This world is too hard, too painful.”
Let’s face it. Many of you reading this, like me, are the loved one of someone struggling with addiction. Addiction...it scrapes our ears like glass tearing at our skin. It’s hard to find hope when all we see and hear is the enemy telling us that he or she will never be free. Even if it is not addiction, watching our loved one struggle because of poor choices is heartbreaking.
Now add to it the other trials life throws at us, illness, divorce, job loss or pressures, financial crisis, loss of loved ones, and it makes sense that we long to go home.
Longing for Home
Home is safe. It is peaceful. It is calm. No more tears. No more suffering. Best of all, we are with our Lord. Heaven is perfect. Earth is not. It’s far from it.
So, we hold on to the promises that the Lord blesses us with each day. We look forward to the transformation that still waits to take place. A new heaven, a new earth. Our Lord living with us.
Can you imagine it? Just picture what that day will be like! What a joy-filled celebration and reunion like no other.
Today, though, we live with pain and suffering. We also live with joy and hope. And whatever we do, we do not give up. We do not lose hope. And hope does not disappoint us!
"In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you?" John 14:2 ESV
Waiting For Home
How are you awaiting his return?
Expectantly? With hope?
We pray and we fight on our knees. We ask the Lord for strength and peace and we receive it. We keep knocking on heaven’s gates praying for our lost sons and daughters and loved ones because whether or not they ever win this battle on this earth, the Lord wants their hearts! He died so that they can live forever with Him and with us.
I know you’re hurting and scared. I get that way too. But I am called to not let you stay there. Look closely, my sisters. Can you see heaven? Can you picture your sons and daughters, your husbands, and your parents or siblings standing hand in hand with each other and with you around the throne of God? Can you hear the angels singing and worshipping our Lord? They are rejoicing and celebrating. They are no longer trapped in the claws of addiction or life-controlling behaviors.
They are no longer called addicts or failures or backsliders by the enemy of their souls. They are called The Redeemed of the Lord. They don’t even remember their addiction! You are standing with them and you are no longer called the Mom of an Addict. You are no longer the Wife of an Addict. What Addict? And that’s how the Lord sees us and them. No more labels. Only as his bride, without spot or blemish.
"And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also." John 14:3 ESV
Finally Home
Our Lord does not wait to call us Perfect until we are perfect because he sees us through His perfection. He sees us clean and white and waiting for that wedding day. He died for that day. He died for that reunion.
Remind them every time you talk to them of his love. Remind them they can never outrun that love. Remind them they are chosen and one drop of his blood washes them clean. With one drop, they are ready for their bridegroom.
You have a big job to do, sisters. Your work here is far from over. Prepare for your Lord’s homecoming. He is coming soon!
Dear Lord Jesus,
We look forward to the day when we will see you face to face. We long for our loved ones to be there with us. What a homecoming that will be! Until then, we stand in faith believing that your will shall be done in their lives. In Jesus name we pray.
Amen
Beautiful Blessings.
Dawn
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