Scripture:
[5] He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.
Observation:
God prepares and shapes us through the weight of this world. He prepares us for leaving this earthly body (tent) behind for our heavenly dwelling. He prepares us by allowing us to go through trials and affliction so that we might become stronger. He prepares us by guiding us to be strong in Christ. He prepares us so that we will fit in well in heaven.
God sent the Holy Spirit to live within us as a guarantee. A guarantee that our time in our earthly body is limited and our real destiny is living with Him in heaven.
Application:
We are called to rejoice always and give thanks in all things – (1 Thes 5) “[16] Rejoice always, [17] pray without ceasing, [18] give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” While it is sometimes difficult to rejoice through worldly trials, knowing that God is preparing us for our final destination in heaven, and that he has given the Holy Spirit to guide us and as a down payment for our eternal destiny, makes it much easier.
Prayer:
Lord thank you for the grace you give us daily. Thank you for your promise of spending eternity with you. Thank you for the trials you allow us to go through in order to shape us and prepare us for that final destination. Help us to persevere when we want to give up and to always remember your promise. Amen.