No Permanent Home

Now retired, my wife, Karin, and I decided to move closer to our daughter in Wisconsin. While loading the rental truck on moving day, I reflected upon the fact that Karin and I have lived in six homes in four different US states over the past 50 years. Though it was difficult moving — sometimes hundreds of miles away — we established ourselves in each of these communities. These moves were prompted by God’s call to ministry and, despite their challenges, resulted in the deepening of our faith and our dependence upon the Lord.

As Christians, we have no permanent home in this world. The patriarch Abraham comes to mind. By faith he responded to God’s call when he did not know how God’s will would be accomplished. He left all that was familiar, including his family and his friends. He dwelled in tents. He lived looking to the future. Likewise, we are sojourners in this world. We can look forward with hope to the future and our heavenly home.