My wife and I have a small pillow on our bed with the words embroidered on it: “The Best is Yet to Come.” I see that pillow and read its words every night before going to bed and every morning when getting up. At the end of really tough days when I’m tired, discouraged and ready to quit, I’m reminded that the best is yet to come. On very good days when life is sweet and the day has been satisfying I’m reminded that there is something even better ahead. Every day when the bed is made and the pillow returned to its place I’m reminded that God is in this day promising his good.

The apostle Peter taught that Jesus would return someday to take his followers to heaven and give them a “crown of glory that would never fade away.” Peter was using first century terminology when he pictured a crowning ceremony for faithful Christians. Today we might think of it as receiving a Congressional Medal of Honor, a Nobel Prize or an honorary doctorate. Whatever you call it, the point is that Jesus will someday preside over an award ceremony to honor those who have honored him.

At that awesome moment, the experiences of this life will be seen from a different perspective. Our worst days will be distant memories and what we thought of as the best of the best will be nothing compared to what we will experience in the presence of God. If you are trusting in Jesus Christ as your Savior, the best is truly yet to come!