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Hebrews 11:13 MSG
Each one of these people of faith died not yet having in hand what was promised, but still believing. How did they do it? They saw it way off in the distance, waved their greeting, and accepted the fact that they were transients in this world.
Additional Scripture References: John 14:2–3, Revelation 21:1–5 MSG, Matthew 6:19–21, 1 Peter 1:4, Psalm 27:14, Lamentations 3:25, Isaiah 40:31, Joshua 1:9, Exodus 3:4, Matthew 6:9, Esther 4:14, Romans 8:26
As followers of Jesus, we live in the tension between longing for what’s ahead and wrestling with what’s right in front of us. The people of faith in Hebrews 11 didn’t see the promise fulfilled in their lifetime, yet they held on with unwavering belief. They weren’t just waiting for a breakthrough, they were living with eternity in view.
When we think about a place with no sorrow, pain, or tears, it can feel out of reach. But that’s the inheritance promised to those who believe in Jesus. Heaven isn’t just a concept, it’s a real destination and a lasting hope.
The promise of eternity doesn’t remove us from the slow burn, it redefines it. It gives weight to our waiting and reminds us that God sees our faithfulness. In the tension of now and not yet, Heaven anchors our soul.
“The Lord’s people have always been a waiting people.” - Charles Spurgeon
Through faith in Jesus and His resurrection, we’re promised eternal life with God in Heaven. Though we all face pain in the slow burn of life, our relationship with Jesus offers us an unshakable hope. Heaven isn’t something we earn, it’s a gift. We aren’t promised ease, but we are promised eternity with the One who wipes away every tear.
The world offers temporary fulfillment, but we were created for something more. Our hearts were made for God, and only He can satisfy the deep longing within us. One day, our true home and inheritance will be found in Him, in Heaven.
Have you ever seen a wave begin in a stadium? One person rises, then another, until it moves through the entire crowd. In the same way, the lives of Abraham, Sarah, Rahab, and others created a ripple effect of faith that still impacts us today.
Their obedience sparked momentum, and their belief became a legacy. You may not always see the impact of your faith, but every prayer, act of surrender, and choice to trust God when it’s hard is building something that lasts. Your worship releases a fragrance. Your obedience continues the wave. And your faith is laying a foundation others will one day stand on.
Jesus doesn’t just offer comfort in the wait, He gives us direction. As the ultimate investment advisor, He tells us exactly where to store our treasure: in Heaven. What we treasure will always impact those around us. Our daily decisions, how we wait, worship, and obey, are shaping eternity not only for ourselves but for others. Let your faith be an eternal investment. One that outlives you and points others to the only foundation worth building on, Jesus.
Let this week shift your perspective. Instead of asking, "When will it happen?" try asking, "Who am I becoming as I wait?" Live this week with Heaven in mind. Let your waiting be a witness. Let it create space for others to see Jesus more clearly.
Prayer for Strength in the Wait:
Lord, give me the courage to stay steady in the slow burn. When I don’t understand the timing or the outcome, help me remember, You are near. Strengthen my heart to trust You in the here and now.
“Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord.” Psalm 27:14
Prayer of Trust and Surrender:
God I surrender what I don’t understand, whether it’s yes, no, or wait, I choose to trust that You are good, You are present, and You are working even in the silence.
“The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him.” Lamentations 3:25
Prayer for Perspective in the Process:
God, open my eyes to what You're doing in the meantime. Help me not rush past what You’re trying to form in me. I don’t want to waste this season. I want to walk with You through it.
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” James 1:2-3
Prayer for Hope in Disappointment:
God, I’ve faced some letdowns that hurt more than I expected. But even when life doesn’t go the way I hoped, help me believe that You are still good, and You still have more ahead.
“Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:23
If someone in your Crew needs care, we want to come alongside you. Our Care Response Team is designed to equip you to walk with people in different seasons of their life.
Our team is committed to celebrating life’s best moments with you and offering support through its hardest ones.
We would love to come around you for the following life events:
Please submit a request at vouschurch.com/requestcare
In Pastor DawnCheré Wilkerson’s newly released book, Slow Burn, you are invited to see waiting not as punishment, but as a sacred process of transformation. Whether you're longing for healing, breakthrough, or change, this season is an invitation to draw closer to a faithful God. With honesty and hope, this book offers strength for your soul, helping you live fully right where you are, confident that even in the slow burn of faith, God is powerfully at work.
To order Slow Burn, please click here
Join us on the road to VOUSCon as we embark on a 40-day relay run through the state of Florida. From Jacksonville to Miami, runners from every region are invited to participate in carrying the good news. Our finish line? VOUSCon 2025. Led by a core VOUS team, we’ll link arms with partner churches along the way, spotlighting the body of Christ and championing the local church through weekly outreach initiatives.
Starting Line: Sunday, May 11
Finish Line: Thursday, June 19
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