Revelation 7:13-17

 Then one of the elders around the throne in the vision asked me, “These in white robes—who are they, and where did they come from?”  14 I answered, “Sir, you know.”  And he said, “These are they who have come out of the great tribulation; they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 Therefore,

“they are before the throne of God
    and serve him day and night in his temple;
and he who sits on the throne
    will shelter them with his presence.
16 ‘Never again will they hunger;
    never again will they thirst.
The sun will not beat down on them,’
    nor any scorching heat.
17 For the Lamb at the center of the throne
    will be their shepherd;
‘he will lead them to springs of living water.’
    ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.’” —- Revelation 7:13-17

Dear Jesus,

What a powerful and peaceful scene you give us of heaven.  You remind us that this life is "The Great Tribulation." and that the oasis of solitude where death and trouble will never harm us again is in heaven with you.  You show us that our reason for getting there is your righteousness that covers our lives like a beautiful white robe.  You eliminate the doubts we have that you would ever receive us.  You comfort us with the promise that you will wipe our tears away and replace them with smiles and gladness. I am comforted even now when I remember the suffering of my parents toward the end of their lives.  They are now in your tent and the beast of suffering that wiped them out will never touch them again. In my most difficult days on earth to come, please bring this scene to mind. Use it to hold me up in faith and to make me triumph in love to those around me instead of sink into self indulging self pity.  Make me a champion of hope for myself and others. 

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Be comforted!  God knows where he's taking us through this jungle of sorrow.