Where My Heart Is —Part 2

At the age of twelve, I set out to search for God’s home after discovering Bible words that changed my life: “And we know that all things work together for good” (Romans 8:28, NKJV). In time, I learned that Jesus was born as a baby, died as a man upon a cross, and arose from a tomb that couldn’t hold Him.

I held questions in my mental quiver.

I needed answers. A six-year search finally led me to Bible studies, suggested by my boyfriend. Before then, none of the many churches I visited ever offered me in-depth study of God’s Holy Word. The studies led me to understand why Jesus came willingly to die for me—and for every human who ever lived for that matter, though some choose not to accept His gift. I discovered that Jesus’ Father is my Father, too, and that my yearning for a home in heaven is the Holy Spirit working on my heart.

And I understood the rest of Romans 8:28, “to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose” (NKJV).

By this time, the fellow who told me that Bible studies would answer my questions about God had asked me to marry him.

We established our marriage with a plan of home and family —not only on this earth but also in heaven and in the earth made new.

In the book The Adventist Home, Ellen White writes, “God would have our families symbols of the family in heaven.”† With an eternal home in sight, I learned that home is God’s idea not only for an earthly lifetime but also for eternity.

I also learned that home means all the redeemed of the earth, the family of God, living together, worshiping God, caring for each other.

For me, home is where the heart is.

That statement is more than lovely words.

It’s a journey with Jesus. I look forward to entering the heavenly home where my heart is.

Betty Kossick