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 increase my allowance?" and then turn the big, black ball over and then wait for its answer. As kids we never put much stock in the answers of the Eight Ball. But it was kind of fun to mess around with.
You wouldn't have found an Eight Ball in the apostle Paul's travel 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 would be helpful, wouldn't it? Being able to see into the future and know about our health or finances or of the condition of our children and grandchildren 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 Ephesian 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. Paul learned that he could trust God no matter where he might travel or whom he might meet.
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 sure and certain. God bless you as you follow Him day by day!
