In the Word: We Are Sojourners

Welcome to Hope Mommies’ In the Word devotionals. It is our desire that this series will aid you in getting in the Bible for yourself and discovering the joy that comes from hearing from God through the pages of His Word.

“Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia,”
1 Peter 1:1

READ:

Peter begins his letter by addressing the elect exiles. As believers in Christ, we can relate deeply with this phrase. On this earth, you and I are sojourners, strangers, exiles, resident aliens, and pilgrims. Do you feel like you do not belong here? You are right! Our permanent address and citizenship is in heaven. Still, we will see later in 1 Peter 1:8-9 that being residents of heaven does not mean that the experience of joy is only reserved for that future place. But, for now, we can take heart to know that if we long to follow our babies to the place of their (and our) citizenship, we are right to do so. For this is not only a longing of our hearts, but a part of who we are because of Christ. Our hope babies remind us of our future home.

As you find your heart being drawn to heaven, rejoice! The way our minds so naturally shift towards a greater focus on our eternity after loss is a precious gift. Allow these thoughts of heaven to direct your actions while you remain here on earth. For, when we live with eternity burning on our hearts, we become greater tools in the hands of our Redeemer for the furthering of His kingdom.

REFLECT:

•Read Philippians 3:20 and Ephesians 2:19. What do these verses reveal about the citizenship of those who are in Christ?

•How has your heart been drawn toward heaven since experiencing such devastating loss?

•How can you allow your loss to become a platform for sharing the hope of heaven with those around you?

Are you a writer who would like to join the blog team? Learn more and apply here.