These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised. God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. (Hebrews 11:39-40)
Hebrews 11 is known as the faith chapter. Here we read of men and women who were faithful to God no matter what the circumstances. But what about the final verse of this chapter? How easy it is to read all these testimonies of faithfulness and just glance over the fact that none of these people received what they had been promised in their lifetime.
I’m not good with mystery. My first desire tends to be that all things be made clear so my decisions will make sense. Stepping into the unknown is terrifying, and although I have done it, it leaves me asking questions. Do I really trust Him or is this just the right thing to do? Will He show me the reason He’s asking me to do this or will He make me wait?
A priest once met Mother Teresa in her “home for the dying” in Calcutta, India. He told her how much he respected her life and her ministry. He then asked that she pray he would have as much clarity in his own life. Mother Teresa looked at him and said no. She explained the one thing she never had was clarity … she only ever had faith in her God.
There is beauty in God’s mystery. There is also security in knowing that He will never leave me when I’m asking questions. What is required of me is a willingness to admit that my life is not my own. His ways are just and true and sacrificing my desires gives Him room to do what He wants to do through me. May I stop trying to understand everything about Him and, instead, start being more faithful to Him.
Dig Deeper
Today’s Prayer
Lord, I am sorry for not trusting You and Your guidance. Even though things in my life are still confusing for me, I choose to have faith and trust in You and Your plan.