ociety is fascinated with the idea of time travel, in search of answers, in search of peace and hope, in search of new and exciting adventures, in search of something to satisfy some personal quest. Yet, there is a lesson to be learned, something to discover about ourselves as a society, as humans, as individuals, that leaves us face to face with reality.

Who we are, apart from God, guarantees we could never reach our fullest potential to become all he intends us to be. We could never achieve the most rewarding goals or live out unimaginable dreams. We could never live at the heart of peace, harmony or be totally free. We could never experience genuine joy ... if we choose to move and live at our own election without allowing God to be the core of our lives, unfolding God’s deepest and purest measures of grace.

The realities of our world dictate that there will always be someone or something trying to take away or distort what we believe in, what stirs us, where our passions lie, what convictions our spirits cling to.

There will always be something trying to distort our beliefs.

Fear is one reason we give up or give in — fear of rejection, fear of failure, fear of being hurt, fear to be the only one to stand up for what is right, fear to be radically different. Perhaps we seek to relive our past until everything is just right by our own standards, trying to undo our mistakes and sins, hoping we could change the outcome. Perhaps we focus too far into the future that we forget to immerse ourselves in the God-given beauty, the blessings, the fullness of living life in this moment.

There is an answer. God promises in his Word and in who he is, to be loving, compassionate and faithful. God deserves to be our core focus, our solid foundation of what we believe in, the reason behind our joy and hope, the excitement that stirs us, the source of our convictions, the light within us and the light ahead of us.

There is no reason to fear. Choose to respond to his promptings to be radically bold, yet wisely controlled and steady. Move when prompted. Seek him. Wait when stilled. Soak in his presence. He is our hope — at all times, in all situations. Will you rise to the calling, allowing God to make a difference, a change, in and through you for his glory? Will you rise, not as the only one, but as the first one?

I do not hide your righteousness in my heart; I speak of your faithfulness and salvation. I do not conceal your love and your truth from the great assembly. (Psalm 40:10)