"These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them 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)
The ups and downs of human emotion should receive the same consideration as do beloved children on a long journey in a crowded car.
Don't let them drive the car.
Don't lock them in the trunk.
Acknowledge them.
Meet their needs.
Embrace them as they are.
Enjoy the journey, with all its emotional ups and downs, for the sake of the destination, because you desire a better country (Hebrews 11:16), that is, a heavenly one. As Christians, we often find ourselves traveling far and wide, driven by emotion, before we consider our final destination. Traveling is not an end in itself.
