The moment will come for each of us: "Arise and leave your home, your city, your family, your friends. Arise and take your final journey." What do we know of this journey, or of the land we're headed to? We've read a little about it, and the Spirit has revealed some. But our knowledge of the future realms is limited.

There's a dark and stormy river called death that God asks us to cross, assuring us of His presence. And after death, what then? What wonders will unfold before our eyes? What glorious scenes will we see?

No one has come back to tell us. Yet, we know enough about the heavenly land to eagerly anticipate our call to it. The journey through death may seem dark, but we can face it without fear, knowing God walks with us through the shadowed valley, so we have nothing to fear. We may leave behind everything we know and love here, but we will reach our Father's home. To the royal city whose builder is God. This will be our final move, to be forever with the one we love, among His people, in the presence of God.

Christian, think often of heaven. It will encourage you to keep going and forget the hardships along the way. This world is merely a pathway to a better country, a stepping stone to eternal joy. "Prepare us, Lord, by your grace, for your bright courts on high. Then let our spirits rise and join the heavenly chorus."