Stand Firm

“These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But as it is, they desire a better country, that is, a heavenly one. Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared for them a city,” (Hebrews 11:13-16). 

This passage is taken from the book of Hebrews in a chapter that is often referred to as the “Faith Hall of Fame.” Most of Hebrews 11 is filled with stories of men and women of times past and the great faith that they had in God. For example, verse 7 reads, “By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of righteousness that comes by faith.” 

Despite there being so many names mentioned, many from different time periods and locations, there is still one thing that all of these people had in common. All of these people lived out their lives on earth and would pass on without having received the promise that was given to them. 

Specific cases such as Abraham and Sarah come to mind. While not yet seeing the promises be fulfilled, they remained steadfast in looking ahead to the eternal life that they hoped for rather than the earthly life in which they were living. Verse 10 recognizes this when it says that Abraham “was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” While many people would be anxious to see these promises be fulfilled, Abraham and Sarah understood that God will take care of things in due time and the best thing to do is keep the perspective eternal rather than focusing on temporary things. 

There is a song that is often sung called “This World is Not My Home.” The song is a reminder to use that the world in which we live is not our home, we are simply passing through. As if pilgrims in a foreign land, we are only visiting for a temporary time. Our eyes need to be set on the eternal hope of Heaven. “But our citizenship is in Heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ,” (Philippians 4:20). 

While it may not be easy, we have to take lessons from those mentioned in Hebrews 11. To remain faithful, focusing on the eternal goal, not the temporary life we live now. By focusing our minds on the fact that we are foreigners in this land, it allows us to trust God despite our personal fears. We can obey commands that may be confusing or difficult for us such as Noah. Further, even if it takes a long time, we can trust God like Abraham and Sarah and know that even if it has taken what feels like eternity, God will provide and fulfill His promises. 

Reading this week: Hebrews 11

Stand Firm In Your Faith This Week!