Do Not Fear

In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. ~ John 14:2

At the age of twenty-five, Johanna Veenstra, a young woman who had grown up among the bright lights and social whirl of New York City, left her exciting life to live in an ant-infested mud hut in Nigeria. God had called her, she was certain of that, and she had joyfully accepted.

“These has been no sacrifice,” she wrote, “because the Lord Jesus himself is my constant companion.”

Despite the hardships and frustrations of living in Africa, Johanna established an effective medical and educational ministry. Her work was successful and rewarding.

In a letter home, Johanna told about a particular African Christian who had died. “He went from a mud hut to a mansion,” she wrote. But before her letter reached home, Johanna herself had died, suddenly and unexpectedly, at the age of thirty-nine. The words she had written of her African friend rang true for her, as well.

We will never experience the completeness of our ultimate selves in this life. Not until after death. For most people in this world, that would be a terrifying thought. But not for God’s children. Rather than looking ahead with alarm or fear, the prospect of reaching our highest pinnacle when we are in our heavenly home in the company of our heavenly Father should fill our hearts with joyful anticipation. Especially when we understand that Jesus himself has gone on ahead to prepare for us a special place. He is looking forward to our coming.

Where do you live now? Whether shack or palace, it can never compare to the mansion that is awaiting you.

~ devotion written by Kay Marshall Strom