Preparing for your THEIR first moments in eternity.

Have you ever visualized what it will be like when you see God face to face for the first time? I think none of us can even fathom what that moment will be like. I think I would probably pass out if that were possible in heaven. I'm sure at some point we've all thought about it and maybe you think about it often, but do you ever think about your spouse or children's first encounter in Gods presence? I can honestly say that I never had until I read Fracis Chan's book "You and Me Forever." If you haven't read it, you probably should! I'm not even half way through it, but it's chalked full of pure passionate truths. I promise you that there is more than just marriage to learn from in this book.

My mind was certainly expanded when I started reading about viewing my spouses first encounter with God. I started to think about that whenever something he would do bothered me. It changed the way I interact with him. If I'm tempted to nag when he leaves his clothes on the bathroom floor I ask myself "will this cause him to sin? Seriously. Will it cause him to get defensive or unnecessarily argumentative? Not that my nagging isn't a sin, but then I am also aware of my own stumbling a little more as well. Today that same concept spilled over into my parenting.

We have 5 children. 4 girls and 1 boy. My son is my biggest challenge. Not because he's any more defiant than the girls, but because he's the only boy, he gets certain attention and uses that to his advantage. Today he broke a very serious rule. He left the house after I had already told him no. He went to an unapproved friends house that we were not even sure where they lived. As we were getting ready to run out the door I asked where Josh was? My 15 year old informed that he had left to his friends. We then had to run house to house to find him. Finally, after several door knocks and odd responses we found him. Thankfully, he was safe, but I was HEATED! He got into the car and I let it rip! "What were you thinking? I told you no! We didn't even know where you were!!" As I heard his attitude, which sounded similar to mine, I once again reminded him of the seriousness of his actions. I told him which privileges he would not be enjoying for a while and he began to just sob. The girls were discussing their pre-planed movie night that Joshua would no longer be enjoying with them. He begged and begged. My heart broke. I didn't want to take that activity away from him, but I knew I had too. As I sat there listening to his sad sniffles, trying not to give in, I thought  to myself "it's because I love you THAT much. I care about your first encounter with God" I thought of this because I had also had a really rough day. 

I had been hit with an emotional melt down just hours before this. It was just a moment in where I felt weary of this situation. I wasn't doubtful or even angry, I just needed to have a moment to admit that I'm hurting but I know there's a purpose. As I was crying out for deliverence God reminded me that its because He loves us SO much that we are still in this situation. I thank God that His thoughts are higher than mine and right now He's giving us everything we need even when we feel like we need more. He's preparing us for our first encounter with Him for eternity.

2 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭13-14, 18‬
But in keeping with his promise we are looking forward to a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells. So then, dear friends, since you are looking forward to this, make every effort to be found spotless, blameless and at peace with him.

But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and forever! Amen. 

I challenge you to also view other peoples first encounter with God. While you interact with the people around you, ask yourself if you are helping them to prepare for meeting God. I know that I want to be prepared for that day and I don't want to be responsible for causing anyone to not be due to my actions or lack of them. Be prepared. Help prepare. You and Me Forever.