When I was growing up I had a friend who had one of those big, black "Eight Balls." Remember them? You could ask the Eight Ball questions like "Will I hit a home run in the Little League game?" or "Will my parents ever increase my allowance?" and then turn the big, black ball over and wait for the answer. We kids never put much stock in the answers we'd get. But it was kind of fun to mess around with it.
You wouldn't have found an "Eight Ball" in the apostle Paul's traveling bag. He traveled by faith, trusting in God's presence and power to help him finish the race and complete the task given him by Jesus - "the task of testifying to the Gospel of God's grace." (Acts 20:24)
There are times when a reliable "Eight Ball" could be helpful, wouldn't it? Being able to know about our health or finances or how our kids and grandkids are doing would seem to be a benefit for us. But there is nothing in this life - no person or thing - that can tell us the future with any certainty.
How shall we then live? Paul offers a fine example for us. He explained to the Ephesians Christians that he did not know what would happen to him as he traveled from place to place. But he believed that the Holy Spirit would direct and help him. He learned that he could trust God no matter where he might travel or what he might face.
We can do the same. God has given us faith to trust in Him for forgiveness, new life and salvation. We have God's promise that He will provide us with daily bread and help us meet our needs. The Scriptures assure us that God is faithful. His Word is certain and true. God bless you as you follow Him day by day!
