There’s a little phrase that God likes to use. It’s this: “I’ll tell you later.”
Think of Abraham in the Bible. You can read his story in Genesis 12–25. God called Abraham to move his household to a distant country. Abraham said, “Where?” God said, “I’ll tell you later.” God told Abraham that he and his wife, Sarah, would have a son in their old age. Abraham said, “When?” God said, “I’ll tell you later.” God told Abraham that his family would be a blessing to the whole world. Abraham said, “How?” God said, “I’ll tell you later.” Again and again, God made promises to Abraham, but he didn’t give Abraham all the information. He said, “I’ll tell you later.”
Why did God do that? So that Abraham’s life depended on faith. At the heart of Abraham’s story is this verse: “Abram believed the LORD, and he credited it to him as righteousness” (Genesis 15:6). Through every “I’ll tell you later,” Abraham learned to believe in God, even though he couldn’t see him or his promises. He put his faith in the Word of God.
God says that same phrase to you and me, doesn’t he? “I’ll tell you later.” God promises an end to all pain and tears. How? “I’ll tell you later.” God has prepared a home for us in heaven. When? “I’ll tell you later.” Can we trust him? Of course we can! One day, we’ll see that God always keeps his promises.
