Rae

Dark times are building times!

Hebrews 12:12-15

Hebrews 11:1-3

It’s not about the size of our faith but about the greatness of the One in whom we place it. Even the smallest faith, when rooted in Him, can lead to extraordinary outcomes.

Let’s commit to living a life of faith, trusting that God is faithful and will fulfill His promises. ✨

This kind of faith goes beyond human understanding—it’s trusting that God is working even when we can’t see the full picture.

Living by faith means relying on God daily, believing in His promises, and walking in obedience to His Word.

Faith is the foundation of our walk with God. It gives us confidence in what we hope for and assurance about things we cannot see.

As Hebrews 11:1-3 says, “Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.”

People love to destroy beautiful things.

As you walk closely with God, He equips you with spiritual gifts to serve and fulfill your purpose. The peace, favor, and purpose that come with alignment, even in tough moments, show you’re making a lasting impact for God’s kingdom.

But don’t be surprised if challenges ramp up too; it’s often a sign you’re on the right track. You'll also feel a growing hunger for more of God, craving deeper connection and more of His presence.

Along with that, your spiritual awareness sharpens, as the Holy Spirit helps you see beyond the surface of things.

This alignment also unlocks supernatural favor—doors open, and blessings flow when you put God first.

When you're aligned with God, one of the first things you'll notice is a deep, unshakable peace, even when life gets tough. It's the kind of peace that comes from knowing God's got your back, guiding and caring for you.

His love is steadfast, and He never holds His kindness over us. By trusting in God as our true helper, we can find the courage to seek support from others while knowing that our ultimate help comes from Him alone.

In Psalm 46:1, we are reminded, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” When we trust in the Lord’s help, we can face life’s challenges without fear of manipulation or obligation.

Unlike human assistance, God’s help is pure and unconditional. With Him, there are no strings attached, no favors to repay—just a constant source of strength and refuge when we need it most.

But carrying burdens on our own is not how we were meant to live. While trusting others can feel risky, we are never truly alone in our struggles. The Bible tells us that the Lord is our ever-present help, the one we can turn to without fear.

This fear can make us hold back from seeking support, even when we really need it, because we don’t want to feel indebted or manipulated later.

The fear that what people do for us today might be used against us tomorrow—we’ve all heard stories or experienced times when a favor came with hidden expectations, leaving us feeling trapped or obligated.

In the end, we each stand before an audience of One. So, whom are you trying to please?

If popularity is your goal, following Jesus may prove challenging. But if you’re committed to God, He calls you to a different path—one that embraces His approval through showing kindness, patience, grace, and love to others.

Do I trust that nothing can be added to Jesus' finished work, or am I tempted to believe that Jesus plus something else is required?

Am I committed to trusting God, even if it costs me popularity, acceptance, or security?

Faith, at its core, is trust. So, consider this: Who do you trust? Whom are you trying to please? Whose approval are you seeking?

If you’re willing to examine your motives, ask yourself:

Am I more influenced by cultural trends, societal pressures, and others’ opinions—or by the Word of God?

Unlike many religions that focus on earning favor through good works, Christianity teaches us in Hebrews 11:6 that "without faith, it's impossible to please God." Our role in salvation is simply to trust in the One who saves.

Every day, we face a choice: seek approval from people, or seek approval from God.

But if our genuine desire is to please God, how do we do that?

He wrote:

“Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ.”
— Galatians 1:10 (NIV)

In a letter to the believers in Galatia, Paul spoke directly to those wrestling with whether to trust fully in the grace of Jesus or to add their own efforts to His finished work.

Whom Are You Trying to Please?

Have you ever found yourself caught in the need for approval from others? Ever felt the pull to care more about human opinion than what your Creator thinks of you? Maybe you want to honor God but also long to be accepted and respected by those around you.

I pray to stay open to God’s guidance through others, recognizing that every encounter has a purpose. May we all welcome the blessings He provides through others and strive to be that same blessing for those around us.

Looking back, I see how much these individuals have shaped my journey. They’ve helped me grow, find comfort, and experience transformation in ways I couldn’t have done alone.

Those He sends our way may give us encouragement, lend a listening ear, or simply show up when we need them most. Their presence is a reminder that His love and guidance are always close, even when we don’t immediately see it.

Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” This verse speaks to how God works through others in quiet, unexpected ways.