My expectations were rewarded!

“They were living for heaven. And now God is not ashamed

to be called their God, for he has made a heavenly city for them.”

Hebrews 11:15,16 Living Bible

 You can’t read the eleventh chapter of Hebrews without sensing God’s pride in the impressive group listed there.

Many of our ancient heroes are mentioned. Their stories varied, they lived at different times, some died famous while others went virtually unknown … yet they all had a common goal. They weren’t content with living here. They all wanted more and sensed there was more awaiting them.

They “were looking for a better place, a heavenly homeland.” Hebrews 11:16 New Living Translation The last part of that verse says that God has made for them the very place they longed for. Because their desire was anchored in their faith that God would fulfill their quest and satisfy their hearts, God says He is not ashamed to be called ‘their God.’

Our heavenly Father gets excited when we desire what He has planned for us.

A number of years ago, my son Wes and I were in Atlanta together. We stayed in a hotel downtown and were finishing our meal in their dining room when I asked him if he had ever tasted banana pudding … real southern banana pudding! He didn’t think he had.

Authentic banana pudding is not to be compared to the bland, boxed banana pudding accompanied by artificial whipped topping and crumbled chunks of graham crackers on top. Oh no … the real stuff is hand-made with care and ingenuity. Wes needed to taste the ‘real thing.’

“I want my son to experience real banana pudding” I told our waitress. She informed me that it wasn’t on their menu, but to … “wait just a minute.” She returned with two large helpings of banana pudding. She explained that the cook often made it for the staff and that when she told our story the cook filled a couple of bowls for us.

As I savored the moment and the incredible taste, I glanced toward the kitchen door. There stood the cook … with a large smile on her face. She took pride in the fact that what we had desired, she had made.

And God knows that what we long for, He has already made. And He is not ashamed … He’s actually proud … that what our hearts desire, he has already prepared.

When our hunger and his provision meet, we’ll have all eternity to enjoy it.

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