Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you (1 Pet. 1:3-4).

A while back, I was invited to a very fancy party. I was feeling out of place amid the high-society crowd in their tuxedos and black ties when a young man in tattered jeans, flannel shirt, and hiking boots strolled over to me and struck up a conversation.

I enjoyed the opportunity to converse with someone who seemed more like me in social and economic status. Despite his apparent poverty and casual attire, he exuded a relaxed ease and personal confidence. Only later did I understand why.

Another friend asked me, “Do you know who you were talking to?” I had no idea. My friend said, “That is the heir to one of the largest chemical company fortunes in the world.”

The man’s father had insisted he live without the benefits of wealth for a time to learn the “real” world. But the young man was still confident of his inheritance. He was not bothered by his current challenges because his future status was sure.

In a similar way, we can face real, current challenges without crippling anxiety, because our relationship with Jesus assures us of an eternal inheritance that nothing in this world can deny.

Prayer:
Father, thank you for the inheritance that awaits me in heaven because of your gift of eternal life in Christ! Help me so to lay hold of your assurance that I am an heir of your kingdom that I am not overwhelmed by any deprivation or discouragement that current circumstance may bring.