What happens when we accept God's calling, His invitation to us? We experience many blessings and opportunities. Our way of thinking changes. We grow in wisdom, knowledge and understanding (Proverbs 2:1-11). We begin to think and act as God thinks and acts.

We are also promised trials and sacrifices (Matthew 10:35-39). These experiences help us build godly character. James, half brother of Jesus Christ, wrote: "Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" (James 1:2-4, NIV). We are God's jewels, and jewels have to be prepared.

When we accepted God's invitation, we counted the cost, as Jesus exhorts His followers to do, just as we would with any major life undertaking: "For which of you, intending to build a tower, does not sit down first and count the cost, whether he has enough to finish it—lest, after he has laid the foundation, and is not able to finish, all who see it begin to mock him, saying, This man began to build and was not able to finish" (Luke 14:28-30). Speaking to one potential follower who wanted to set conditions on his commitment, Jesus said, "No one, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God" (Luke 9:62). Jesus expects us to finish what we start. Jesus is our guarantee that we will bear the cost and that God will finish the work He has begun in us (Philippians 1:6).

Just as a small child learns to walk, we may have been wobbly "on our spiritual feet" at first. The temptations and trials we face will sometimes cause us to stagger and fall. But remember that God the Father and Jesus Christ are there to comfort and help us each step of the way. Our job is to keep striving with God's help and to become mature Christians. Hebrews 5:13-14 tells us: "Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil" (NIV).

Living God's way must always remain our priority. We must continually "seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness" (Matthew 6:33). if we remain faithful to God throughout our lifetime, we will share with Christ the role of kings and priests in His coming Kingdom (Revelation 1:6; 5:10; 20:6). We can look forward to becoming spirit and living forever (1 Thessalonians 4:14-17; 1 Corinthians 15:42-55). As His resurrected children, we will inherit from God all things—not just the earth but the entire universe and spirit realm (Matthew 5:5; Revelation 21:1-7; Hebrews 2:6-8).

As long as we actively seek God's will and allow His Holy Spirit to work in our lives, our eventual salvation is guaranteed. Yes, God promises to help us every step of the way, through every turn in the road. What He asks of us is that we repent when we stumble, have faith in Him for the forgiveness of our sins and look to Him and His coming Kingdom.

With these thoughts I wish everyone a rewarding Sabbath!