Gallery Of Faith - Jesus Is Greater Series #7Sample

Faith - A Better City  

Thoughts on the Word

What is our response when we do not receive a promise? Not just any promise but a promise that God gave to us specifically? 

That defines us more than just about anything that we do. It defines our relationship with God. It defines our understanding of God. It defines our walk of faith with God. It defines the deep hidden things of our heart. God promises us something – and now we know that we will never see it.

Here we see that Abraham had a choice. He could choose to go back where life was much better. This life of living in tents where one is 100 years old is not a life that any of us would choose. We would want something a little easier. Living in tents – and having significant wealth – is a very dangerous thing because there is no protection. A city with walls, others around who can assist us when we face attack was a necessity of life, not an option. 

Finally, to wander through a country owned and claimed by other peoples and nations and say that it is yours – that borders on mental delusion. It is something that crazy people say – not godly, intelligent, faithful people. 

So, why did Abraham choose to believe God? Because this world is not home for us. Yes, it is necessary, but it is not home. Home is in heaven. That never changed in Abraham’s mind even as he dealt with the fact that the promises would find fulfillment in the generations to come. Let it be the same for us.

Prayer

Father, heaven is my home. I have promises from You as well that I cannot see being fulfilled in this life. I do not know how You will do them. I do know how to live with the tension that comes with trusting You to keep that promise – and knowing that it seems totally impossible now. At times I just put it down and trust You to pick it up and keep Your promise somehow. At times I dream about what it means if it actually would happen. At times I cry. At times I just struggle. Today, I struggle. I would love to say that I have the faith of Abraham, but I know my heart. So give me strength, give me a picture of the better city to come, and give me the faith that is greater than what I already have. In Jesus name, Amen.