You Are a Pilgrim!

Thanksgiving and pilgrims go hand in hand. The Bible teaches us that we are pilgrims as well.

Did you know that you are a pilgrim?

You may have a family and a home with all the amenities—all things that would give a sense of permanency. Most likely you aren’t sailing the ocean or walking a great distance to faraway lands. But you are a pilgrim.

Hebrews chapter 11 tells us of the faith that was in Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Sarah and many more. They saw God’s promises far off in the distance and “were assured of them, embraced them and confessed that they were strangers and pilgrims on the earth. For those who say such things declare plainly that they seek a homeland” (verses 13-14, emphasis added).

Are you declaring this truth plainly, or are you still resisting your pilgrim story? We can resist this truth and put undue strain on our lives trying to salvage and hold onto this world and its possessions. Or we can embrace our life as a pilgrim.

Following in the footsteps of these true pilgrims of the faith, let’s discover how we can stop resisting and start allowing God to open up our true citizenship in the Promised Land.

Be assured of God’s promises

The first step is to know that God will do what He promises. Hebrews 11:16 tells us, “God is not ashamed to be called their God, for He has prepared a city for them.” God has a plan that is sure. Pilgrims should not be unsure of their future homeland.

Jesus Christ taught that we should be so sure about our future homeland that we are willing to sacrifice anything else for it (Mark 10:29-30)!

Embrace God’s promises

Embracing God’s promises for the future can be hard when we enjoy the comforts of this life. There are very nice things that distract us from focusing on God’s promises. Pilgrimage is much easier when we embrace the promises of God and know in our hearts that it is better than anything counterfeit before us.

Confess your status

Admit to others that you are a pilgrim! Being a pilgrim is nothing to be ashamed of. King David wrote, “Proclaim the good news of His salvation from day to day. Declare His glory among the nations, His wonders among all peoples” (1 Chronicles 16:23-24).

God doesn’t want us to shove our beliefs in people’s faces, but He does expect us to acknowledge and proclaim His truth when we are asked (1 Peter 3:15). We must keep in mind that our examples speak louder than our words (Matthew 5:16)!

Are our eyes set on the coming Kingdom of God? Let’s be willing to tell our pilgrimage stories and know that the days of our lives are adventures with God at the helm. Let’s give praise and thanksgiving for the homeland we have not yet received but see afar off!

Sarah Henderson and her husband, Andrew, attend the Columbus/Cambridge, Ohio, congregation of the Church of God, a Worldwide Association.