Do you see your faith as a journey? My word describes believers as sojourners. Does this imply a homeless wanderer who is alone? My Kingdom is not of this world so the continuing city you seek has foundations in heaven rather than on earth. Yet at the same time you are not alone. For I have promised to be with you always. Yet even with my presence you are not isolated from the rest of humanity. If you love me, then love people also. If you cherish my presence in solitude, then learn to see my presence in all who I have created in my image. If you have eyes to see and ears to hear then you will see me and hear me through them. 

How much do you depend on the circumstances of your life to sustain your faith? In my word I tell you not to be unequally yoked with an unbeliever. You may ask what situations this applies to. For it implies that you do not need to isolate yourself from the world but certainly it would apply in marriage. Yet my word also addresses the matter of a believer married to an unbeliever. The unbeliever is free to depart in this situation but the believer is not. This commandment implies that I am able to sustain a believer even in this extreme situation. If you understand the true essence of your faith you know that it can stand regardless of the circumstances of your life. 

Have you ever heard of blessings in disguise? Everyone prefers pleasant blessings that involve healing and provision that includes money. Yet you have already had experiences that were difficult but you realized that were for your ultimate benefit. Are you prepared to view these experiences as blessings? My word describes those who through faith obtained promises, deliverance from enemies, and even the dead raised to life. It goes on without interruption to describe those who endured hardships and afflictions without accepting deliverance that they might obtain a better resurrection. Are you prepared to see all these things as blessings? 

What pattern of development do you expect in your life as a Christian? Continual linear improvement? A school curriculum is a developed plan for learning in a methodical progression. Yet hasn’t your own experience included setbacks and unexpected delays and turns? This is all a part of my plan, for I told my followers to lay down their lives to follow me. You attended school for education but I have a greater goal in your life that you may be transformed into my likeness. Consider those whom you admire as being spiritually mature. Ask them if there were struggles along the way. I have a special plan for each of my followers and a special curriculum to prepare you for it, but there are some similarities and common elements.