Enter Confidently

You have golden tickets to a special event. You’ve dressed appropriately in your finest attire. You know the right people. Your confidence is soaring. When you arrive, you find that the event exceeds your expectations by a wide margin.

Hebrews 19-22 says, “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith with our hearts sprinkled clean and our bodies wash with pure water.” The sacrifice of Jesus Christ has done something amazing for us, allowing us to confidently come into God’s presence. He not only opened the door for us, but He also leads us into God’s presence advocating for us.

Control

Most of us like to have control over the events and circumstances that impact us. We like to plan what will happen to us and for us and we are driven to make sure that it all works out favorably for us. And yet, there is so much of what happens in our lives that we are unable to control.

II Corinthians 5:14-15 says, “For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died; and he died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised.” We want to control everything that impacts us. But our control rejects the love of Christ for us and opens the door for sin to control us. But because He died for us and removed the penalty for our sin, we are now free to live for Him, motivated by our love for Him.

House Not Made With Human Hands

Every house over time develops some flaws, whether they come from use, time, or abuse. Every home also develops flaws over time, which come from flawed humans living together.

II Corinthians 5:1 says, “For we know that if the tent that is our earthly home is destroyed, we have a building from God, a house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens.” Our true home is where we are loved beyond measure and fully accepted. This home is free from struggles and hurt. It is the place for fully knowing and worshipping God our Father.

Overlooked

Sometimes, the effort and good work that we put to a task is overlooked by those who should know. Perphaps, we were not recognized on the job for the exceptional work we put into a project. Or maybe, people did not notice the kindness that we showed to them, which was beyond what they could expect. It is disappointing to have our good efforts overlooked.

Hebrews 6:10 says, “For God is not unjust to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do.” God knows us better than we know ourselves. He sees the work that we do in His name and the love that we demonstrate. He understands the sacrifices that we make to serve others, as He has endured the same for us.

No Means to Steer

We are all familiar with the story of Noah and the ark. God told Noah to build an ark in the middle of the wilderness. God gave Noah specific instructions on how to build it, what materials to use, and what the dimensions must be. However, God didn’t give Noah any means of directing the ark. The ark had no sail, no rudder, and no motor by which Noah could steer the ark. All Noah could do was trust God to direct the ark to the right place and at the right time.

Romans 15:13 says, “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.” Hope is not wishful thinking, but rather is rooted in the character of God. Hope is activated by faith and trust in the God of promises. Hope increases as we exercise faith based upon His promises.