There is a credit card company that asks in its’ commercials,” What is in your wallet?” The commercial implies that there are pitfalls in life that can be avoided when you have their card in your wallet to fall back on, anything from a car broken down to a wonderful meal that costs more than you have. You spend all your time working hard to earn money only to be embarrassed when you are handed a bill and are found to be short.

A better question would be, “What is in your heart?” This year we see a world that is spiraling down the tunnel of chaos. We see unrest in the Mideast intensifying, the world economy all but collapsing, and jobs are being eliminated daily by the thousands; crime is on the rise in most areas, morals are mothballed for the belief that truth is irrelevant. Looking at the shows on television, and theaters and we not only see the push to accept as normal the homosexual lifestyle, but are encouraged to promote it as the norm. In the last election, Californians chose to say no to same sex marriage. This brought outrage from the gay community as well as many who are bankrupt of moral character. To think that so many would choose to abandon same sex marriage for a silly concept such as marriage between one man and one woman. The rise of parents abandoning their role in the lives of their children’s upbringing because they cannot find time can be seen in almost every neighborhood. This year we have a new President taking over the White House that many feel is too unproven, and many others fear that he does not have the best interest of the company in his heart. The better question is indeed, “What is in your heart?”

The eleventh chapter of the book of Hebrews is called the faith chapter. In this chapter, the writer to the Hebrews was reminding them of all the great men and women of faith and the one thing that they had in common was they walked in faith. Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is the assurance (basis or foundation) of things hoped (expect with desire) for, the conviction of things not seen.” These heroes of faith believed God when He spoke, regardless of their surroundings. Believing the Father’s desire and ability to do all He says He will do for believers as the basis or foundation of our hope is the normal Christian life, and it brings the result of a life of fellowship with Him in times of turmoil where we are not shaken at what we see. Jesus’ teaching, the prayer lives of the great New Testament saints and the examples from history all show that a connection exists between our faith and God’s work in our lives.

Hebrews 11:6 says, “And without faith it impossible to please Him for he who comes to God must first believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 rather bluntly provides proof that God wants us to relate to Him by faith. The word impossible is a shockingly intolerant word. Think about what an offensively narrow, rigid, exclusive, insensitive, discriminatory that word conveys. It means zero percent likelihood of ever pleasing God without faith. It cannot happen not ever. Faith is the pre-requisite to serving God in any capacity. Sure we can teach Sunday School with lessons or promote and build great churches, but without Faith the Father is neither involved nor pleased, and the results have no eternal value.

So how does this affect us in a year full of uncertainties? How does following Father affect our financial problems and protect us as the world is falling down around us threatening our very existence? Ask Abraham as he lived as a stranger in the land promised him by Father. Ask Noah as he was ridiculed and persecuted by those around him as he obeyed God. Ask Moses what he gained by giving up the comfort of Pharaoh for obeying God. The disciples chose to follow the Lord rather than give into the trials and persecutions they endured. Paul was beaten and left for dead yet he chose Christ over his own life. John suffered isolation on the Isle of Patmos. Look through Foxes Book of Martyrs and see the testimonies of many who chose faithfulness to God over the trials and sufferings in life. Through all their trials all these were more than conquerors for God always rewards those who believe He is.

This year, let us reaffirm our commitment to follow our God as He directs, understanding that all things work together for them that love the Lord, to them called according to His purpose.