“All the days of my hard service I will wait” (Job 14:14)

A short stay on earth will make Heaven more heavenly. The best sleep follows a day of toil. A comfortable home is appreciated more after you’ve lived in a tent. The bitter dregs of earth will make the wine of heaven more delightful. Our battered armor and scarred bodies will make our victory celebration more glorious, and we’ll be more likely to draw a cloud of witnesses (Hebrews 12:1). 

 The days of your hard service are to prove your faith. “You have been grieved by various trials, that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7). 

 The days of your hard service are for the good of others. “To remain in the flesh is more needful for you. And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith” (Philippians 1:24-26). 

 The days of your hard service are for God’s glory. “May the God of peace … make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight” (Hebrews 13:20-21). “Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure” (Philippians 2:12-13). “He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ” (Philippians 1:6). 

 Our time on Earth is fixed and settled by eternal decree. Let’s not be anxious about it, but stay to the end, unconditionally submitted to Christ. “By your patience possess your souls” (Luke 21:17).