Key Bible Verse: So we don't look at the troubles we can see right now; rather, we look forward to what we have not seen (2 Corinthians 4:18). Bonus Reading: 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:9

On a balmy 1982 October afternoon, Badger Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin, was packed with over 60,000 University of Wisconsin fans watching their football team play Michigan State's Spartans. It soon became obvious that State had the better team and would win. What was odd, however, was the seemingly unconnected and increasing eruptions of applause from the Wisconsin fans despite the mounting defeat. Why were they cheering as their team was losing?

Many fans, it turns out, were listening to portable radios broadcasting another game in progress 70 miles away in Milwaukee, where the Brewers were beating the St. Louis Cardinals in game three of the World Series. They were responding to something they couldn't actually see. Likewise, Paul encourages us to fix our eyes on the unseen. When we do, we celebrate even in difficulties because we're tuned in to see God's larger picture at work.

Paul says a Jesus follower can live confidently because of the guarantee that God's presence indwelling us carries. His power is available to us here and now! And we rest assured of a secure future. We are at home in either place—in our bodies or with the Lord.

—Tom Taylor in Paradoxy

My Response: Am I really open to being at home in either place?

Thought to Apply: The bottom line is in heaven.—EDWIN LAND (physicist & inventor)

Adapted from Paradoxy (Baker, 2006) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

Thank you, Lord, for the hope of heaven. Use it in my earthly life to inspire and sustain my passion and purpose.

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