II Corinthians 5:1-10  Paul takes us past the "light afflictions" of this life.. to that which is "unseen".. and "eternal. "For we know that if the earthly tent which is our house is torn down, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens."

What is mortal.. the "home" that we know.. our bodies.. will not last forever.  We know this very well.  Paul tells us to not worry about that.. for what God is preparing for us.. an eternal dwelling.. will be so much better.  ".. be of good courage.. "  walk in faith.. know that first of all:

 ".. He who prepared us for this very purpose is God, who gave to us the Spirit as a pledge.."

 Secondly, know that absence from this body means we will be HOME with the Lord! 

"Therefore".. because of this.. "we have as our ambition, whether at home or absent, to be pleasing to Him."  Why?  Because.. we will "all appear before the judgement seat of Christ, that each one may be recompensed for his deeds in the body, according to what he has done, whether good or bad." 

Father in heaven, help us to walk by faith in Your Truth.. help us to be courageous through the momentary troubles, knowing that You have a plan and Your purposes will be completed.  You will bring us home.. to be with You!  You are preparing for us eternal, immortal.. forever bodies, that will not groan anymore!  You have given us Your Spirit.. a "pledge".. a downpayment.. a first taste of the eternal, making us "new creations" in Christ.  By this we know Your grace and love that will fulfill every Word.  Thank You!  Let Your will be done.. on earth.. in these bodies.. as it is done in heaven.  In Christ we pray, amen.