Faith in God and His plan sometimes seems completely unreasonable to ourselves and others. Let me speak to you today through the book of Hebrews in case you are losing hope in what can feel like walking on a tightrope.

The Bible contains ALL answers to this life’s questions, concerns, and conduct. As we start nourishing our souls with real truth and knowledge in Christ, we may feel as though we are on a lonely Island as we witness others living for other things that honestly look a lot more fun. It is not an easy path but there are major rewards as I am learning through the training I am receiving. The writer of Hebrews says to “fix your thoughts on Jesus” to ponder carefully and focus on the true significance of Jesus. How much do we do that, really? In an age of technology and quick fix solutions, very few people take time to think about anything or even anyone else.  Our hearts turn away from the living God when we stubbornly refuse to believe him. It we persist in our unbelief, God will eventually leave us alone in sin which is harmful. To prevent having an unbelieving heart, stay in fellowship with other believers, talk daily about your faith and be aware of deceitfulness ( remember sin attracts but then destroys), and encourage each other with love and concern.

God says my sheep know my voice and they follow. So, if you are having trouble hearing God’s voice, most likely it is because you haven’t quieted your mind as you sit in His presence. I will usually ask God to confirm something for me that I think he might want me to do or if I have a question about a particular situation. God has been faithful and when He doesn’t answer my question, I now know it is only a matter of time. God may also lay something on your heart that seems so unorthodox that you begin to justify why you can’t do it away. Ask God for help when you feel fearful of the task or what others will say or think.

The Israelites failed to enter the promised land because they did not believe in God’s protection, and they did not believe that God would help them conquer the giants in the land. So God sent them into the desert to wander for 40 years. This was an unhappy alternative to the wonderful gifts he had planned for them. Lack of trust always prevents us from receiving His best.

The word of God is not simply a collection of words from God, a vehicle for communicating ideas. It is living, life changing and dynamic as it works in us. With the incisiveness of a surgeon’s knife, God’s word reveals who we are and what we are not. It penetrates to the core of our moral and spiritual life. It discerns what is within us, both good and evil. The demands of God’s word require decisions. We can’t only listen to the word; we must also let it shape our life. He is the potter and we are the clay.

Praying and waiting on the Lord for guidance is assurance of his help because he is our friend and our wise counselor. He is also the King of heaven and earth.

Jesus was in great agony as he prepared to face a brutal death. Although Jesus cried out to God, asking to be delivered, he was prepared to suffer humiliation, separation from his Father, and death in order to do God’s will.  At times, we too will undergo trials, not because we want to suffer but because we want to obey God.

Because trials and temptation are so intense, they seem to last an eternity. The Bible encourages us to wait for God to act in his timing, even when our needs seem too great to wait any longer. God’s promises are unchanging and trustworthy. Who are you elevating above God? We all go to someone for guidance and support.

God’s power is awesome and his punishment is terrible. These words gives us a glimpse into the holiness of God. The Bible gives us a clear choice between two life directions. Because life often forks off in two directions, we must take the higher road, even though it looks more difficult and treacherous.. That road gets steep in places. The climb can take a toll on your energy. It gets lonely and not many are on it, but more than you imagined, and some because of your example. It gets slippery; Satan blows ice on the narrow passages. Yet, despite its dangers, the higher road is bound for the peak and you’ll make it because God has a lifeline around you.

True wealth is eternal. Consider the most powerful, well- known people in our world… how many got where they are by being humble, self-effacing, and gentle? Not many! But in the life to come which far surpasses this tiny, brief life, the last will be first. Don’t forfeit eternal rewards for temporary benefits.

Yes, your faith can seem unreasonable to others but God is the one who is omnipotent and omnipresent. Which way will you go?