Living By Vision of Eternity

“We must meet the uncertainties of this world with the certainty of the world to come.”

— A.W. Tozer (1897–1963)

Every answer to the problems that perplex us in this world can be facilitated by a renewed vision of life in eternity. By looking over the horizon of this life—whilst we are in the grip of our dear and desperate problems—we retrieve peace beyond what our situations often allow.

This is the exercise of faith: to look beyond the imminence of fear in order to see cause for fearlessness by the peace available in the Spirit.

How might we imagine the differences between two worlds?

This life is about petty concerns; the next life is about true perspective. This life is about confusion; the next life is about eternal clarity. This life is about conflict, both relational and intrapersonal; the next life (in heaven) is about the consummation of congruence and love. This life is about a continual battle; the next life is about an ever-abiding peace.

We have these options:

Borrowing Strength from Eternity versus Living With Our Fear: the essence of this issue is where our focus is. If our focus is on eternity we draw strength, which we borrow, in terms of our faith. We see the transience of this life and we are not afraid, because this life offers very little enduring hope. Still, on the other hand, we can endure the challenging times in situations of this life so much more when we have sight and durable recognition of our eternal home. This is far superior to living, in a resigned way, with our fear. Borrowing strength from eternity, knowing how special we are to be saved, is a superior option.

Strength for Today versus Languishing in the Weakness of Yesterday or Tomorrow: again, this is not much of a choice. Why would we languish when we can draw strength? And drawing strength from the certainties that are layered within the concept of eternity is confidence and courage, borne of hope and a steady vision. But our human nature often shackles us to yesterday or tomorrow, in orders of guilt and shame (for our pasts) or worry for the future. But the golden way is the way of the present. When we locate ourselves in today, by consciousness of the very moment we find ourselves in, we derive strength and purpose and capacity for life.

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The ultimate answer to our worries in this uncertain life is a focus on the certainties of the next life.

When life is focused on living intentionally for eternity,

Our worries wither away as we experience God’s certainty.

© 2012 S. J. Wickham.