Have you ever traveled out of the country before?  I’ve had the great honor and privilege of going on four missions trips out of the US since being in ministry- three times to India (with a stop in Nepal) and once to Mexico.  With each returning trip I had to go through US Customs to be allowed back into country.  Every time I approached the officer I had to show him my US Passport, which rightly identified my US citizenship.  After their examination and approving of my passport they stamped it and let me back into the country.

Words cannot express how excited I’ve been standing in that line, especially when the airport was in my resident city.  Usually I’ve been up all night flying over 15 hours and I know in the pick up lane waiting for me is my wife and kids.  Thus, when I finally get through customs, get my bags, and see my wife and kids for the first time joy fills my heart like never before because I know that I am finally home.

Likewise, Paul gives every Christian the same hope, but not for an earthly country, but rather a hope of our citizenship in heaven.  He boldly declares in the above passage, “our citizenship is in heaven.”  Can you even imagine what that homecoming day will be like?  The first time the angels verify your citizenship records in the Lamb’s book of life and you are welcomed into the very presence of God will be so amazing that earthly words will mostly likely not be able to describe it.

Therefore, knowing you have a promise to one day be in heaven with Jesus be encouraged today during your “traveling trials,” because you’re just passing through.  You’re home and final destination is heaven!

1. Mediate on what it will be like the day you meet Jesus face-to-face for the first time.
2. Encourage yourself today by consider your hardships in life, “travel trials.”
3. Invite someone new to go to heaven with you- there is always room for one more!