“Thomas said unto Him, ‘Lord, we know not where You go—and how can we know the way’?”

                                                                                                                                                                                                            John 14:5

     It’s always by faith; however, by “walking in the Spirit” (Rom. 8:1) and “according to His Word” (Lk. 1:38) we need not fear if He’ll guide us or not.

     God’s Will.

     Has there ever been anything more difficult at times to know, yet more delightful to do?  Most likely, if you’re like any honest saint who’s ever lived, your answer is a resounding “No!!”

     Truly, part of our greatest agony in walking the King’s Highway is summed up in Thomas’ words in today’s Manna.  Even though he’d spent a little over three years with Jesus, his understanding of Jesus’ words and meaning was still limited at best.  And, it would only be after Jesus’ death, resurrection and ascension that many of the pieces would begin falling into place.

     There’s no doubt we have an advantage over Thomas and the other disciples because of having the New Testament to read and rely upon.  And, interestingly, Jesus said, “Blessed are they that have not seen and yet have believed” (Jn. 20:29).

     “How can that be?” someone asks with a puzzled look on his face.

     “I would have loved to have been with Jesus for three years, observing what He said and did.  That certainly would have made it much easier,” he continues.

     Not necessarily so, Pilgrim.

     If Thomas and the others didn’t “get it” during their time with Him, what makes us think we would have been any different?

     No, if the truth be known, we’re just like them.  And, like them, we must also learn to live by faith, not sight, always trusting the Heavenly Father to guide us even as He has all those who’ve preceded us (Heb. 12:1-2).

     “So, how can I know God’s will?” someone else asks.

     The answer (from the lyrics of the song):  “Only believe.  Only believe.  All things are possible.  Only believe.  Pray and receive.  Pray and receive.  All things are possible.  Pray and receive.”

     “I was afraid you were going to say that,” the inquirer replies.

     Oh, dear Pilgrim, the same One Who promised to send His Spirit to “abide with us. . .comfort us. . .teach us all things and bring to remembrance whatsoever He has said unto us. . .and convict us of sin, the need of righteousness and judgment to come. . .will also guide us into all truth” (Jn. 14:16-18, 26; 15:26-27; 16:7-13).

     We can rest assured the Spirit will never lead us to say or do anything He wouldn’t do.  And, He will never lead us into opposition or contradiction of God’s Word.  Therefore, the key to knowing His Will is “knowing Him” (Phil. 3:10) and being willing to do His Will before knowing it.  It’s all about surrender and trust, Pilgrim.  Surrender and trust.  And, it’s also about love. . .His Love. . .and how much we love Him and those around us.