Paradise is Coming

“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous.”

(Joshua 1:9, NIV)

I recently started a new job, and I love it. But I’ve learned over time that no matter how good a situation seems, it won’t be perfect. Every job, relationship, or circumstance comes with its own set of obstacles. Why? Because we live in a broken world.

As Christians, we often assume that when we step into God’s will for our lives, everything should be easy. If we’re obeying God, living out our faith, and walking with Jesus, shouldn’t life be smooth sailing?

We need to be careful not to confuse the Promised Land with paradise. 

When we think of the Promised Land, we might picture a place of rest, abundance, and fulfillment. But the biblical reality is different. The Promised Land was, “a land flowing with milk and honey,” but it was also a place of challenge, struggle, and hardship. When the Israelites crossed the Jordan River, they didn’t waltz into paradise—they marched into warfare.

When Joshua and Caleb finally entered the land God had promised, they found giants, walled cities, and enemies who didn’t want them there. The Promised Land wasn’t a retreat—it was a battlefield. And yet, it was where they were meant to be. It was the place God led them—and He promised to go before them, fight for them, and fulfill His purpose in their lives.

Too often, we confuse our calling with comfort. We assume that if God has provided and led us somewhere, the path should be smooth. We wrongly equate the "Promised Land" with paradise, and then we live in doubt, disillusionment, and sorrow when trials arise.

The truth is, paradise isn’t here yet. Jesus said, “I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2, KJV). That place is heaven, our eternal home, where every tear will be wiped away. But for now, we are pilgrims in the Promised Land. We walk with God, but still in a broken world. We experience His promises in the midst of wrestling with life’s realities. The Promised Land is where we stand in faith, trusting that He is with us through the difficulties. It’s where we fight the good fight because He has called us to this place and time—and He is with us.

So, if you find yourself facing insurmountable walls, giants in the land, or rivers that seem impossible to cross, take courage. The Promised Land was never meant to be paradise; it’s the place where God grows your faith, strengthens your trust, and uses you for His glory. Press on: look to Jesus, keep walking, keep trusting, and remember… paradise is coming.