Coats and Cold Noses
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. –Hebrews 11:8–10
I experience the same thing every year starting in about August. School starts back up, the fall décor comes out, and I start getting tired of my summer wardrobe. My taste buds start thirsting for apple cider and pumpkin lattes. I start wishing for long sleeves and scarves, coats and cold noses. Unfortunately, fall never comes quite as quickly as I would like and leaves way too soon. But I still look forward to it with some impatience every year.
I love the above verses, and actually this whole chapter of Hebrews because it cites example after example of people stepping out in faith when it didn’t necessarily make sense in the natural to do so. I love what is said about Abraham here, that he was looking forward to something that God had promised him that hadn’t happened just yet. I wonder if he ever struggled with impatience about the incredible things God promised would happen, and how much he longed to see those promises fulfilled in his lifetime? I have to assume he did struggle with those feelings or he wouldn’t be human. And I believe God is not offended by our impatience, He just wants us to keep it in check so we don’t step outside His timing. Maybe He even gets a little kick out of seeing us anticipate the things that are coming. After all, when we are impatient for God to move, doesn’t that imply that we believe He is preparing something good? Doesn’t it also imply that we trust and believe He will follow through? I can’t imagine our excitement about God’s work and trust in His faithfulness doesn’t bring Him joy. I believe it does. So continue hoping, expecting, and pressing forward to that thing God is leading you to, but don’t get so focused on what’s coming that you miss what He has for you now. We balance present joy with future expectation and hope!