These all died in faith, not having received what was promised, but having seen it and greeted it 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 (RSV)
Life is the prelude to a magnificent symphony of praise. We know something wonderful is about to happen as we hear the opening notes. We anticipate the beauty to come, but it is not time. We must wait as the prelude anticipates.
Thirty-seven centuries have come and gone since God called Abraham to leave Ur of the Chaldeans. Abraham and Sarah journeyed in trust that God's promises would be kept. They saw the beginning of those promises, a land, a child, and a blessing. Neither they nor their son, Isaac, would see the fulfillment of the promises.
They are not alone in waiting. Millions have looked toward the day when the Father will bring all things to completion. We count the years we have been given and wonder if now is the time. We wonder if this is the hour in which our heavenly country will be our reality.
The Father holds His peace. He sees the longing of our hearts, our desire to be home with Him finally. He waits for the appointed hour. We shall be with Him in that hour. In His mercy promises, it will come.
We continue our journey toward our heavenly country. Many have fallen asleep in the Lord along the way, but they are not lost. They will rise in the hour which the Father knows. Then we will all be home.