By faith he sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country, dwelling in tabernacles with Isaac and Jacob, the heirs with him of the same promise: For he looked for a city which hath foundations, whose builder and maker is God. - Hebrews 11:9-10 Why did Abraham embark on such a venture, such a journey? Because he was looking for a city which had foundations, whose builder and maker was God — all the while knowing that what he was looking for would never be found anywhere on the face of this earth.
Why is this so important? Because when I moved from San Jose to Applegate, for example, if I had been looking for a city on earth to satisfy me, I would have been paralyzed by fear. I would have said, ‘What if I get there, and discover Applegate’s not it?’ But since the longing of my heart was for a city without foundations, I already knew Applegate wouldn’t be it!
What if I go there and it doesn’t work out?
Don’t worry — it's not going to work out!
‘What if I marry her, and she doesn’t fully satisfy me?’
Don’t worry — she won’t!
‘What if I take that job and it’s not what I hoped?’
Don’t worry — it won’t be!
You’ll never be a man or woman of faith if you’re looking for fulfillment here. No matter your ministry, your geographic location, your job, or your spouse — you’ll not find it here. Like Abraham, don’t look for a city that has foundations on earth. Look for eternity, and you’ll experience heaven in your heart, you’ll be blessed in your soul wherever you are.
Had Abraham looked for a city on earth, he would have been stuck in Ur forever. But at some point, God by His grace allowed Abraham to understand that everything on earth is in preparation for heaven. If you don’t understand what the writer is saying about Abraham as a model of faith, you’ll be perpetually paralyzed and completely frustrated. You must understand that God only leads you one step at a time. He doesn’t tell you what lies around the bend. But even when you get around the bend, you must understand it’s not going to be what you were hoping for, because what you really crave is heaven.
In spiritual life, the Lord will take you as far as you want to go — and not one step further. If you choose to take one baby step and stop, God will still love you because His love for you is not based on anything you do or don’t do. But if you choose to walk by faith from Ur of the Chaldees all the way to the Land flowing with milk and honey — He’ll be with you every step of the way.
People wonder why some folks are so spiritual, why others seem particularly blessed, why others are mightily used. It’s not that God is playing favorites. It’s just that those who seem to have a special relationship with God are simply those who chose to keep going. Whether it’s in expression of praise, gifts of the Spirit, or aspects of ministry — however far you want to go in spiritual life, God will never say to you, ‘You’re going a little too far. You’re getting a little too spiritual.’ Never.
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