A story (or maybe an allegory) is told about a POW camp in Germany during WWII.  The US and allied soldiers kept there had pieced together a radio from spare parts and were able to keep up with what little news was broadcast from the front.  One particular broadcast that got all of their attention was the announcement of V-E Day.  The Axis powers of the European theater had surrendered.  The war in Europe was over. 

Unfortunately, the German guards didn’t know this.  They continued to guard the prisoners and subject them to whatever was their prerogative to do.  These prisoners knew the war was won but they continued to suffer in the POW camp for three more days.

Life as a Christian is like this.  The war is over.  The lamb prevailed.  The kingdom is established, and the gates of hell can’t stand against it.  How awesome!  But here we are, still on Earth, still suffering under the prince of this world.  It can be a little discouraging to have the good news that we’ve won, but not see the tangible results we expect from a victory: no parade, no confetti, no comfort of home. 

But take heart!  There was celebration in Heaven when the war was won!  There was celebration when your victory was accomplished!  The king is on his throne, the enemy is under his feet and our salvation is assured!

Our soldiers woke up the fourth morning to find their captors had fled in the night.  There will be a morning when our enemies are gone, and the Lord announces to all the souls of creation that we are victorious and free at home.

Take courage.  The war is over, we’re just waiting to go home.