Keeping Promises

Those of you who know me well know that I am a collector of WWII die cast planes. Well, I ordered a mahogany submarine ( one type which the film U-571 was based ). It is simply called a type VII U-boat. Anyway, when it came today I was simply amazed at the craftsmanship of this boat. It is my first and only boat I'll obtain. Many a collector will tell you that but it is speculation. As I sit and look at this managery of metal collected over the years I smile. For some people who collect whatever they collect, their collection is their life and their obsession. But obtaining and owning 'things" and this life we are given is not all there is, folks. In my case, being ill, I know that one day I'll be cured of this disease that has taken away my mobility and my freedom. The paradox is that there IS no cure for Wegener's disease, empirically speaking. No, the disease hasn't affected my brain....some would argue :-).
I was reading in Revelations, Chapter 21 about the promise that we are given that will be fulfilled after death. Our suffering will end, there will be no more tears, pain or death and we will be in the company of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.......forever. It is God's promise and He never breaks promises. What a glorious day that will be! U-boats and "things" will be gone burned up, rusted or rotting but we won't care anyway.
But, there is a catch. (Of course, right?) Unless you are a believer in Christ before you pass away you will not have the pleasure of meeting your Savior who conquered the grave. Remember I told you that God ALWAYS keeps his promises? One promise he made to mankind in general is... "if you believe on my Son, THEN you will spend eternity with Him." No second chances....no latitude for good behavior and helping mankind. All that awaits you is eternal torment. I have read many times by various authors that the torment I refer to is the fact that you had your chance on earth to avoid all this suffering and you chose not to believe. You made the wrong decision.....but it is too late. Too late. Now you are separated from God forever and the regret you feel for what you DIDN'T do on earth is a part of hell that is probably the worst. BUT, I'll probably meet the thief on the cross who died in a state of forgiveness as he was promised by a dying Christ that "even this day, ye shall be with Me in paradise."
Bottom line, my friends. Things and possessions here on earth are nice and God allows us to have them because He wants us to be happy and have some harmless pleasure. The way I see it, the true enjoyment of U-boats, metal planes, et.al...is that there are even better things to come in eternity. That's God's promise.....and He ALWAYS keeps his promises. You can bet your life on it.