It is a sweet and blessed event that awaits every believer in God's perfect time—going home to be with Jesus. In just a few more years, the Lord's soldiers who are now fighting the good fight of faith will be done with all conflict. They will have entered into the joy of their Lord.

But notice this: although Christ prays that his people will eventually be with him where he is, he does not ask for them to be taken out of this world right now. He wants them to stay here.

Yet how often does the weary pilgrim cry out, "Oh, that I had wings like a dove! I would fly away and be at rest!" But Christ does not pray like that. He leaves us in his Father's hands until we are ready—like grain fully ripened—to be gathered into the Master's storehouse. Jesus does not plead for our instant removal by death. To remain in the flesh is necessary for others, even if we cannot see how it profits us. He asks that we be kept from evil, yes. But he never asks for us to enter our glorious inheritance before we are of full age.

Christians often want to die when trouble comes. Ask them why, and they will tell you, "Because we want to be with the Lord." I fear it is not so much because they long to be with the Lord as because they want to escape their troubles. Otherwise, they would feel the same desire to die when life is pleasant and the pressure is off. They want to go home, not for the Savior's company, but for the rest.

Now, it is perfectly right to desire departure if we do it in Paul's spirit, knowing that to be with Christ is far better. But the wish to escape trouble? That is selfish.

Here is what should consume you instead: glorify God by your life here as long as he pleases. Even if that means toil. Even if it means conflict. Even if it means suffering. Live, and leave it to him to say when "it is enough."