Not Home Yet

Life is filled with good things.

They're just not the destination.

In this episode of FaithFuel, Bob Shaw talks about a longing many people experience but struggle to explain.

Even the best vacations end. The best meals are eventually finished. The happiest seasons of life become memories.

Using Philippians 3:20 and inspired by the Steven Curtis Chapman song Not Home Yet, Bob explores the biblical truth that this world is not our final home.

From a unique illustration involving Disneyland to the Christian hope of heaven, this devotional reminds listeners that the deepest longings of the human heart ultimately point beyond this world.

As believers, we're called to enjoy God's blessings, remain grateful for the life we've been given, and remember that the best is still to come.

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Transcript

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Life is filled with good things. They're just not the destination. I'm Bob Shaw, and this is Faith Fuel. One of my favorite songs is Not Home Yet by Stephen Curtis Chapman. The song's been around for years, but the title still captures something I feel every time I look at the world around me. It explains something I felt for a long time, but couldn't always put into words. I love my life. I love my family. I love my friends. I enjoy the work God has given me. There are plenty of blessings I could point to. And yet every once in a while, there's still this sense that something's missing. Deep down, we know this world isn't our final home. We're well aware that alongside the good things, there's just plain evil. I live near Disneyland, and despite the skyrocketing cost of tickets, the crowds keep coming every day, year after year. Why? I think it's because people are looking for an experience that feels the way life is supposed to feel beautiful, clean, fun, safe. A place where for a few hours the worries of everyday life fade into the background. Now, Disneyland is not heaven, not even close. But I do think it tells us something. People long for a world without brokenness, a world without pain, without fear, without goodbyes. The Bible says in Philippians 3 verse 20, But our citizenship is in heaven. That's easy to forget when we're busy building careers, raising families, paying bills, fixing problems, and trying to make the most of the life we've been given. And we should be doing those things. But Scripture reminds us that this world is temporary. The things we enjoy here are gifts. They're just not the destination. That's why even the best vacation eventually ends. The best meal is eventually finished. The happiest seasons of life eventually become memories. They're wonderful gifts from God, but they were never intended to satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts. Those longings point us somewhere else, or more accurately, somewhere ahead. One day, everyone who belongs to Christ will finally be home. And until then, we keep following Him, grateful for the life he's given us, while remembering that the best is still to come. We're pilgrims passing through, and while we're here, let's bring as many people with us as we can. Lord, thank you for the blessings you've given us in this life. Help us enjoy them without losing sight of you. Remind us that our hope is ultimately found in you and in the home you've prepared for us. In Jesus' name, Amen. If you've been carrying around a sense that something is missing, maybe it's a reminder that you were made for more than this world alone. If Faith Fuel has encouraged you, do me a favor, leave a rating or review. It helps others find the podcast. And if you'd like more weekday encouragement, follow Faith Fuel and join me again. I'm Bob Shaw. Peace and joy.