Here is a glimpse into what to expect in your 40’s: Just when the kids are able to cope with life on their own, you are likely to become a caregiver again to your parents. Age will start to manifest itself in your own body. You are likely to develop stubborn belly fat. Your back will ache if you exert it. Your knees will begin to creek, and your feet hurt. Just when you think you can afford to eat out, your doctor will put you on a restrictive diet. About this time, it will dawn on you that you are far from financially prepared for retirement. Now that you are discouraged by these realities, let’s take an encouraging glimpse into what your future in heaven will be like.

The Apostle Paul tells us when we trusted Christ as Savior, He effectively “…raised us up together, and made us sit together in heavenly places in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:6). Positionally, our home is already in heaven, and one day we will occupy heaven as our eternal residence. But what will that experience be like? By comparing a number of passages, including some relating to Israel’s eternal future, we have a glimpse of what heaven will be like for us. First Corinthians 15:52-53 explains we “…shall be raised incorruptible…and must put on immortality.” God will give us a new spiritual body that is capable of living in the heavens. “…We shall be like Him (the Lord Jesus)…” (I John 3:2) able to eat, walk, and converse with others. Revelation 21:4 promises that in our eternal bodies, “neither shall there be any more pain.” Our existence in heaven will be joyous because we will “ever be with the Lord” (I Thessalonians 4:17). “God shall wipe away all tears…and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying…” (Revelation 21:4). Since the disciples instantly recognized Moses and Elijah on the Mount of Transfiguration (Matthew 17:4), it is reasonable to anticipate we will recognize saved friends and loved ones in heaven. The promise in I Corinthians 3:14 is a rich “reward” for serving Christ now. We will also be active in our eternal state. Paul explains that we “…shall judge the world…(and) judge angels” (I Corinthians 6:1-3). This means we will be given a position of authority over these realms, and we will be busy.

Set your affections on these things above, and allow yourself to become homesick for heaven. It will be great!