In Romans 8, we can see that without God in our lives, we then focus on the things of this world. But, when we have faith in Jesus Christ and have His Spirit within us, we live of the Spirit instead of this world. This means that Jesus fills that void in our lives.

Let’s go through an example. We have a game show with 2 contestants, Contestant A and Contestant B and they have an opportunity to win some money by playing any of 5 games within a time limit. Each contestant can play any number of the 5 games, and money earned in each game will be transferred to their final total when a save point is reached. If a contestant changes to a different game, only the money up to the last save point is kept.

Contestant A looks at the 5 games and finds he is somewhat familar with 3 of the games but of those 3, only confident with one of them that he could make lots of money. So Contestant A starts with his first game. After a while, he's made some good money to start, but it's been a while since the last save point. Contestant A is getting tired of the game but when he looks at the other two familar games, or worse the two games he doesn't know at all, he doesn't want to take the risk and lose his current round of money. He keeps going on the first game though it's not so much fun anymore. Finally the time is up and he has lots of money. He's glad the game is done.

Contestant B's turn. He looks at the 5 games and he is only familiar with 2 of the games. Before the games begin, Contestant B is told two things that Contestant A didn't know about. One, if he needs help with any of the games, or strategies, a mentor is available, and two, the number of games he tries will act as a multiplier to his final amount of money.

Contestant B starts with the first game, and after the first save point realizes that he isn't so good at it, and moves on to the second game. The second game is fairly easy and Contestant B coasts along making some good money. After a while he wants to learn a new game so he goes on to the third game. This game is much harder, but with some instructions from the mentor, he discovers that with the difficulty comes great rewards and he makes even more money. The time runs out and all of Contestant B's winnings is multiplied by 3 since he had played 3 different games.

Contestant A didn't have such as easy time of it, but he wished someone would have given him the same advice as Contestant B. Not that Contestant B had it completely easy, but he had help along the way - and he had a hope for such a large reward at the end.

In the same way - God gives us a hope of eternal life and heavenly rewards. And He guides our steps, so no matter the decisions we make - He will help us along the way.

Proverbs 16:9 states: A man's heart plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps.

Psalms 37: 23-24 states: The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD, And He delights in his way. Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down; For the LORD upholds him with His hand.

I recommend reading the entire Psalms 37.

How does this work, that our lives will be so much different if we believe and have faith in Jesus?

Let’s take a look at Matthew chapter 6.