Worth the Wait – November 9, 2022

Read: Hebrews 11:32-40

These were all commended for their faith, yet none of them received what had been promised, since God had planned something better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect.
Hebrews 11:39,40

Worth the Wait

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Thomas was so excited. His parents promised him that after school they would take him to his favorite place to eat. His favorite restaurant has chicken tenders, French fries, chips, ice cream, and all the soda he can drink. At school that day, Thomas stayed busy so that the day would go faster. He played hard at recess. He finished all his homework. He ate his whole lunch. Even after school, Thomas didn’t pester his parents. He knew that would only make things take longer. He just waited patiently for his dad to come home, change into different clothes, and get ready to drive across town. Finally, it was time! Thomas’ family got in the car and drove to the restaurant. It was all worth it as Thomas ate all of his favorite foods!

Sometimes waiting for good things can seem to take forever. As Christians, we are waiting for the best thing. Life in heaven is what waits for us. By faith, we look ahead to this promise of perfection.

While we wait, we listen to God, and we focus on what is in front of us. God has given us things to do. He tells us to help our neighbors. He commands us to honor our parents and those in authority. He wants us to encourage our fellow Christians with his promise of eternal life. Even when bad things happen, we are not distracted from what God has told us to do.

In our Bible reading today, you get to read about some of the worst things that have ever happened to people who trust in God. But none of these believers let the bad things distract them from what they believed. They were waiting for something better. They were waiting for a perfect life with God.

So are we. God has promised that no matter what bad things happen to us in this life, we are waiting for something that makes it all worth it. We will be made perfect with these other believers to celebrate in heaven with Jesus. How awesome does that sound? It is worth the wait!

Closing Prayer:

Dear Jesus, while I wait for you, keep my eyes of faith always focused on the eternal reward you have promised. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

• Do you like to wait? Why or why not?
• Waiting to be with Jesus in heaven can be hard. Think of one thing we can do that might help us while we wait.

Questions for Elementary Age Children

• Describe a time something bad happened to you. What does God promise about bad things when we get to heaven?
• What is the most important focus we can have in our life while we wait for the gift of eternity in heaven?

Questions for Middle School and Above

• Look up Hebrews chapter 11:32-40 (today’s reading). Choose one of the heroes of faith and look up more about that person in the Bible. How did this hero demonstrate waiting in faith? What did their waiting lead to, just as ours will?
• Agree or Disagree: Experiencing hardships in life helps strengthen our faith. Explain your answer.