Our Scripture reading today is Hebrews 11:13, "These all died in faith, not having received the promises, but having seen them afar off, and were persuaded of them, and embraced them, and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth."
It would probably be worth our time to read the previous 12 verses as well. Verse 13 starts off with "These all..." which is referring to the people mentioned in the first twelve verses of the chapter. Their faith was in the many promises they could see, but had no idea when they would be fulfilled. They believed the messages that were delivered to them recognizing this world was not their final dwelling place. God had a much better home being prepared for them.
Each one of us have the same opportunity. Will we believe God and His Word? Will we believe His promises? Notice all these people did die, but they did in faith. Whether we go by way of the undertaker or the uppertaker may it be said of us that we died in faith. God help us to stay in the faith. God help us to stay faithful to His Word. Faithfulness to His Word is seen in our obedience. Our obedience to God's Word testifies that we are in the faith. This is where we want to be when we die or Jesus Christ returns.