Where Is God When We Struggle?

In the busyness of our daily lives, it's easy to get caught up in the here and now. We focus on our jobs, our responsibilities, and the demands of life, often forgetting that this world is not our final destination. Yet, as Christians, we are called to remember that Heaven is our true home. This is something we need to think about more often. We need to talk about it more, and we need to let it shape how we live each day.

Why We Need to Think About Heaven
We live in a world that constantly tries to convince us that this life is all there is. We're bombarded with messages that encourage us to find satisfaction in the things of this world—our jobs, relationships, possessions, and achievements. But deep down, we know that none of these things can truly satisfy the longing in our hearts.

Randy Alcorn, in his book Heaven, puts it perfectly: "Nothing is more often misdiagnosed than our homesickness for heaven. We think that what we want is sex, drugs, alcohol, a new job, a raise, a doctorate, a spouse, a large-screen television, a new car, a cabin in the woods, a condo in Hawaii. What we really want is the person we were made for, Jesus, and the place we were made for, Heaven. Nothing less can satisfy us." This quote captures a profound truth. The things we chase after in this life are often substitutes for what we really desire—our eternal home with Jesus.

John’s Vision of Heaven
The book of Revelation gives us a powerful glimpse into the reality of Heaven. In Revelation 4, John is given a vision of what awaits us. After writing letters to the seven churches, John looks up and sees a door standing open in Heaven. He hears the voice of Jesus, which sounds like a trumpet, inviting him to "come up here" and see what must take place.

Imagine John's situation for a moment. He’s exiled to the island of Patmos, isolated and growing older, and is one of the last remaining apostles. He’s experienced the burden of leading the early church, dealing with its problems, and enduring personal persecution. His life is filled with pain and uncertainty. Yet, in this moment of despair, Jesus invites him to step through the door of Heaven and see something incredible.

Worship in Heaven
What does John see when he steps through that door? Worship. Pure, unadulterated worship of the One who is seated on the throne. This is the first and most important thing that captures John’s attention. He sees a throne and someone seated on it—God Himself. The word "throne" appears ten times in Revelation 4 alone and 46 times throughout the entire book. Clearly, God is emphasizing something important: He is in control.

This vision of God on His throne is a powerful reminder to John and to us that no matter what happens on earth, God remains sovereign. He is high and lifted up, perfect in power and in complete control. All the struggles, pain, and persecution that John has faced are put into perspective by the sight of God ruling from His throne.

This image echoes passages from the Old Testament, such as Isaiah 6:1, where Isaiah sees the Lord "sitting upon a throne, high and lifted up." It also connects with Daniel 7:9, where Daniel sees thrones set in place and the "Ancient of Days" taking His seat. These visions remind us that God's rule is eternal, unshakable, and all-encompassing.

God’s Sovereignty in Our Lives
In times of trouble, we often wonder where God is. We question His presence when life takes unexpected and painful turns. But as John's vision reminds us, God is exactly where He has always been—on His throne.

Pastor Chris was reminded of this truth in a powerful way several years ago. He and his wife were living in Tampa, Florida, serving at a church they loved. One night, they received a phone call that changed everything. Their senior pastor, a beloved man who was also an experienced pilot, had tragically crashed his plane while flying with his son. Both were killed instantly.

The grief was overwhelming. The entire church was in shock, struggling to comprehend the loss. At the funeral, their executive pastor, George Thomason, stood before the congregation to deliver the message. He acknowledged the question that was on everyone's mind: "Where is God in all of this?" Then, with a calm assurance, he said, "Don't worry, we know exactly where God is. He is on His throne."

That statement has stayed with Pastor Chris ever since. It’s a reminder that no matter what happens in our lives—whether it’s the loss of a loved one, the pain of illness, or the trials of daily life—God is still on His throne. He is in control, and He is working all things together for our good.

Heaven as Our Anchor
John’s vision of heaven was not just a revelation of the future; it was a source of comfort and strength for his present circumstances. It’s a reminder that while we live in a world filled with pain and uncertainty, we belong to a kingdom that is unshakable. Heaven is our true home, and one day, we will experience the fullness of God’s presence and the joy of being with Him forever.

In the meantime, we need to keep our eyes fixed on that reality. We need to remind ourselves regularly that this world is not our home. Our true citizenship is in Heaven, and our lives should reflect that truth. When we understand that, it changes how we live. It gives us hope in the midst of trials, courage in the face of fear, and peace in the midst of chaos.

So, let’s talk about Heaven more often. Let’s think about it, dream about it, and let it shape our lives. Heaven is not just a distant, abstract concept; it’s the place where we will finally be fully satisfied, fully at peace, and fully home.

This blog is based on teachings from the message shared by Chris DeArman on Sunday August 11, 2024. Check out the full message below!