Planning for a trip can be an exciting thing. However when the to-do lists come in, and all the prep work is finalized it can become hectic. Beyond that however in any age is the uncertainty.

Weather, illness, travel restrictions and changes, and cancellations all can put a halt to your plans. And after a rough season it can be very disheartening to lose that opportunity to get away.

Being the worrier that I am, all of those things are flowing into my mind steadily as I prepare for a photo trip coming up soon. With the current 'climate' (no not weather) it's hard not to let anxiety sink in, despite knowing that whatever happens is God's best for me.

One thing that I believe God has been helping me with (yeah, I'm no pro at it) in this crazy world is not holding on so tightly to this world, as well as looking ahead to a trip that can't be cancelled.

My life here however long it may be is only a blip on the radar of eternity. When I'm called home, whether in death or rapture, I'll be in a place infinitely better than any vacation spot, or amazing photographic locale.

It's been an interesting journey for me personally. Death, the rapture, end times... It's always been a struggle in my mind. I know we are to look with joy to His return, and don't get me wrong, I do, and the more time goes on the more I do. Yet at the same time I think it's easy to want to experience life here.

I guess in writing this however I realize the one thing I'm leaving out. It's not so much the where, but the Who that I will spend eternity with: God.

Let that thought sink in, Jeremey... (and ya'll reading this).

I could write a lot more on this subject, but I don't want this to be overly drawn out. I'll just say, if you're in Christ, regardless of where you are in life, you have an eternity with Him waiting for you. As Peter encouraged the persecuted believers in his day: 

"Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who according to His great mercy has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to  obtain an inheritance which is imperishable and undefiled and will not fade away, reserved in heaven for you," 1 Peter 1:3-4

Let me finish by saying what needs to be said. If you've not repented and placed your trust in Jesus Christ, then unfortunately you have no reservations in heaven. Jesus explained He is the only way. Please go to the home page and either watch my testimony video or read what's written there, or both. It isn't too late for you, and nothing you have done in your life can keep you from Him if you'll repent and put your faith in Jesus Christ, bowing the knee to Him.

"Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation."

A thought I often have when I look at photos I have taken of waterfalls, is the seemingly never ending flow of water. Yet at the same time, this flow does fluctuate, sometimes even drying up totally. Typically this time of year this particular river gets quite low. However due to recent rains it was roaring.

I know that I'm not alone in this, but recent situations both nationally and personally have begun to wear on me. At times things can seem unbearable even.
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Yet the last few days the text from 2 Corinthians 12:9 has been coming to mind, reminding me that the grace of God does not dry up.

The word "is" in the phrase "My grace is sufficient" shows the availability of this grace. It doesn't say that it was, or will be, but it IS sufficient. His grace is constantly available, His saving grace to those that come in repentance and faith, and continuing grace for the life of the believer.

For me though, where I think I tend to struggle is with the next word... Sufficient.
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Sometimes, as in Paul's case and by extension us, we are to endure trials. And so sometimes the answer to our longing for an immediate escape is to simply and solely rely upon the grace of God, knowing and trusting that it really is sufficient. I don't know about you but sometimes (i.e. most of the time) I feel the need for 'more', forgetting that His grace really is enough.
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Yet there's also a purpose to it. In view of this verse we see that in the weakness of man, God is shown to be strong. God in His wisdom chose the lowly things of this world for His purposes (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). Paul also writes:

In our weakness, God's power and grace are magnified.

This leads to a way in which we can say with Paul: "I can do all things through Him who strengthens me." (Philippians 4:13) , knowing that God gives grace upon grace (John 1:16).
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So, as the song beautifully puts it: