Just Passing Through…

By Gina Canaviri

“They do not belong to this world any more than I do.” John 17:16

A few weeks ago, Pastor Matt mentioned in his sermon that he was feeling a bit like he was living in an in-between place. He and his family needed to leave what had been home and familiar to them. They are here with us now, but still not feeling quite “settled” or like they have “arrived.”

Ponci and I ( and our children) also know quite well this feeling of not knowing where home is. After living more than half of my adult life in Bolivia, it grew to feel quite a bit like home, but not truly the home I had always known or remembered. When we returned to PA, even what had once been familiar seemed foreign and strange. Most missionaries need to learn how to live in this tension and come to realize that truly this world is not our home. Our only true home is in heaven.

All of us, as we mourn Shayna’s passing, are catching a glimpse of this reality. We all know she is in a better place, a place we all should be longing for (see Hebrews 13:14 & 1 Chronicles 29:15).

As we live life in this fallen world, we are called to live as salt and light, to be different, to live in such a way as to bring God glory. If we are feeling safe and comfortable and successful in this present world, maybe we have not yet realized where our true home is. Paul challenges us to set our sights on heaven and not on the things of this earth (see Romans 12:2 & Colossians 3:1-4).

So as we pass through this in-between place, let us set our minds and passionate love on Him. Let us lean on Him and trust in Him to be our guide through life’s complexities.

“I have told you all this so that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.” John 16:33