Hebrews 11:13,16

"This year, we will win the Super Bowl." "In the next five years, the economy will . . ." "Your weekend weather will look like this."

Do you believe promises? It depends, doesn't it? Who's making the promise? An honest parent? An over-confident and under-talented athlete? A trusted friend? A classmate who lies frequently? And, what are they promising? Does it seem possible? Probable?

Do you believe God's promises? Your sinful nature doesn't. You've noticed that, haven't you? God promises something—forgiveness, peace, eternal life. Your sinful natures nudges you and says that God would not forgive you (how could he if he really knew all the particularly bad stuff you've done!) Could and would God actually give you an eternal, peaceful, and joyful life with him in heaven (does that even seem possible or probable)? We could go through a long list of God's promises about prayer, his hand in our lives, and on and on. There are so many "logical" reasons why God must be wrong about his promises.

Then God steps in. He issues his sure promises to you through his Holy Word. God is all-powerful, faithful, and does not lie. He will do just as he says. The Holy Spirit works through that Word on your heart. The Holy Spirit gives and sustains and strengthens your faith, your trust, in God's promises. God does love you. Jesus did die and rise for you. God does forgive your sins. God has made you his own dear child.

In our Scripture reading, God tells us about people who believed, even though they had not yet received what they had been promised. By faith, they believed God would do just as he had promised. By faith, they knew their true and eternal home was heaven. Like them, you are "a stranger and alien on earth." This life is important, but your eternal life is far more important. Your true and eternal home is heaven—just like God promises!