I go to prepare a place for you… and I will come back and take you to be with me.

(John 14:3 NIV)

A man asked his friend, “How do you like your new job?” 

He said, “It’s the worst job I’ve ever had.”

“How long have you been there?” 

“About three months.”

“Then why don’t you quit?”

“No way. This is the first time in twenty years that I’ve actually looked forward to going home!”

That’s how I often feel about living in this world. People sometimes ask, “Why didn’t God give us a perfect world?” By “perfect,” they mean a life without pain, without loss, without fear, without the frustrations and heartbreaks that seem to find us no matter where we go.

Why didn’t God design life without any tears or trials? Why allow a world where sin leaves its fingerprints on everything and suffering eventually touches everyone?

I would never pretend to offer a complete answer in this brief devotional, but I can say this: living in a broken world awakens in us a longing for a better one. The hardships of life remind us that this place — as beautiful and meaningful as it often is — is not our final destination. The disappointments of earth make us hunger for the wholeness of heaven. The sorrows we experience make the promise of God’s comfort shine all the brighter.

Don’t misunderstand me — life here has so many blessings. Beautiful moments. Deep relationships. Joyful experiences that truly enrich our journey. God has filled this world with goodness and purpose. But even at its very best, this world can’t begin to compare with what God has prepared for his children.

Jesus knew that we would feel this tension. He knew we would face trouble, discouragement, and heartache. So he gave us a promise that would calm our souls: “In my Father’s house are many rooms… I go to prepare a place for you… and I will come back and take you to be with me.” (John 14:2–3 NIV).

There is a home waiting for us. A home where suffering ends, joy is complete, and God himself wipes away every tear. Until then, we walk through this imperfect world with hope — because every step brings us closer to our Father’s house.

Prayer: Father, thank you for the hope of the home you have prepared for us. When this world feels burdensome, remind us of your presence and your promises. Help us walk faithfully, joyfully, and expectantly until the day you bring us safely home.  In Jesus’ name, amen.

Alan Smith
Reprinted with permission from Alan Smith’s Thought For the Day