Read:
Hebrews 11:8-13 “By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. By faith he made his home in the promised land like a stranger in a foreign country; he lived in tents, as did Isaac and Jacob, who were heirs with him of the same promise. For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God. And by faith even Sarah, who was past childbearing age, was enabled to bear children because she considered him faithful who had made the promise. And so from this one man, and he as good as dead, came descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as countless as the sand on the seashore. All these people were still living by faith when they died. They did not receive the things promised; they only saw them and welcomed them from a distance, admitting that they were foreigners and strangers on earth.”
Think:
At just under four years of age, Itzhak Perlman was struck by polio, rendering his legs useless. However, he compensated for this loss by dedicating himself to his violin. In the ensuing years, he enchanted countless audiences with his music. While he lost the use of his legs, his music bestowed upon him a unique form of freedom.
Similarly, some of God's devoted servants have displayed unwavering commitment to their Lord. They've endured loss, but have been inspired to cultivate alternative capacities for service. Consider the case of William Booth, the founder of Salvation Army. When confronted with the prospect of going blind, he did not surrender. Instead, armed with a resolute optimism, he assured his colleagues that he had faithfully served Christ when his vision was intact and would continue to do so even in blindness.
What fuels the determination of Christians to persist in serving and following Jesus to the best of their abilities, despite adversity or loss? Much like Abraham and Sarah, it is the hope, the faith that propels us forward. We keep heaven in mind.
Apply:
What are you working toward? Is it all earthly? Or are you making choices with heaven in mind?
Pray:
God, keep me heaven-focused. Help me center my thoughts toward you. Give me your perspective and your mindset. Allow me to share the gospel with other people so I can live out my purpose. In Jesus' name. Amen.