For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain. But if I live in the flesh, this is the fruit of my labour: yet what I shall choose I wot not. For I am in a strait betwixt two, having a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better: Nevertheless to abide in the flesh is more needful for you.
Philippians 1:21-24
In John Bunyan’s classic book The Pilgrim’s Progress, a man named Christian journeys from the City of Destruction toward the Celestial City. Along the way, he faces many difficulties and dangers, but he presses on toward his heavenly destination. One evening, he arrives at a house where he is offered shelter and rest. During his stay, one of the women asks what keeps him from abandoning his difficult journey. Christian replies, “When I think what I saw at the cross, that will do it; and when I look upon my broidered coat [the robe of righteousness], that will do it; and when I look into the roll [the scroll recording his salvation] that I carry in my bosom, that will do it; and when my thoughts wax warm about whither I am going, that will do it.” She then asks why he is so eager to reach his destination. Christian says, “To tell you the truth, I love Him because I was by Him eased of my burden; and I am weary of my inward sickness. I would fain be where I shall die no more, and with the company that shall continually cry, ‘Holy, holy, holy.’”
All of us experience days of difficulty and distress. We know what it is to be tired, lonely, sick, sorrowful, or discouraged. But as believers, we have a hope that reaches beyond the troubles of this life. Paul wrote that he had “a desire to depart, and to be with Christ; which is far better” (Philippians 1:23). Heaven will be a place without sorrow, pain, or death (Revelation 21:4). But its greatest joy will be the presence of our Savior, who loved us and gave Himself for us. That glorious hope gives us strength to remain faithful through every difficulty we face along the way.
