When The Answers Aren't Coming

"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 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

questions and answers_std_t_nvI love this passage. It meets us in the realities of this life, which is temporal, while simultaneously showing us what it looks like when our faith is anchored in the surety of our life to come, which is forever. Jesus told us that we would have trouble in this life. But he also told us we can take heart, because He has overcome the troubles of this life. It's just that we don't always immediately experience that as we live in this "already, but not yet". Abraham and Sarah died in faith in the promises of God. Their life demonstrated that they live looking for a true and permanent homeland. Let's not lose sight of this, Metro. There are troubles, cares, burdens, sorrows and grief in this life. And with each of those there can be questions that we don't seem to be getting answers too. At least not yet. Ultimately, is it getting all the answers that will grant us peace, comfort, and hope? Or, is it desiring a better country, that is, a heavenly one, where every tear brought on by all that this life brought our way, will be wiped away by the hands of Jesus? Which one will meet Aaron and Crystal in their grief? Which one will make the ultimate difference for you and for me?

One more thought this morning, Metro. Let us remember that among the primary reasons Jesus promised to send the Holy Spirit was so that we would have comfort. Jesus knew there would be trouble in our pilgrimage. He knew our faith would be put to the test. He knew that many temptations and the enemy himself would want to weaken our assurance in the promises of God. So Jesus sent a Helper, a Comforter, the Holy Spirit. May the words of Octavius Winslow fill you with hope in believing for all the unanswered trials of your life:

"…to know the Spirit as Comforter, to experience His tenderness and sympathy, His kindness and gentleness, we must be placed in those special circumstances that call it to exercise…the comforting of the saints is one important purpose of the Scriptures. "Whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." - Romans 15:4

May you experience the comforting presence of the Holy Spirit this week, dear friends.

Aron