The Time Of My Departure

-September 1, 2023-

Good morning, happy Friday,

“For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand.”

(2 Timothy 4:6).

We all love departures when we are going somewhere we want to go to. It can be going on vacation, taking a day trip to a favored destination, or going anywhere we choose to go to. For me in the hospital, today I should be discharged to go home. I can’t wait. Please pray I will be released today! I am feeling great and looking forward to it. The hospital is one place none of us like to check into, but we love to depart from.

Though it is nice to be taken care of by excellent doctors, nurses, and other staff members 24 hours a day, I want to go home; to my own home where I have lived for 44 years! There is nothing like it on earth. It isn’t a mansion, palace, or estate; it is simply my abode. To me is is better than anywhere on earth. Please pray with me that they will send him home today. However, I would rather be in the hospital in God’s will rather than anywhere else outside of it.

As believers, as much as we love our earthly homes, they can’t compare to our heavenly home in glory. Paul was torn between his life and ministry on earth, and his final destination in heaven. He said in Philippians 1:23-25, “For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. Nevertheless to remain in the flesh which is more needful for you.” Given the choice, we would all choose heaven today, but if God has more for us to do on earth, let us be about our Master’s service.

As I look out of my hospital room window here in San Francisco, California, I see thick fog, damp streets, people walking, and cars and buses going by, life moves on. One day will be my last day on earth and first day in heaven. Until then I will serve the Lord. In Paul’s case, he may have been able to look out and see the world going by. He knew his time to leave was at hand. The Lord’s coming for all of us is imminent, meaning He could come at any time. Let us be prepared and praypared today!

Have a blessed day serving the Lord wherever we are. Stay safe and healthy.

Living below, looking above, awaiting our departure to our heavenly home in His love,

Dean