Warning Signs

We are surrounded by warning signs and lights as we navigate through this life. Those signs are not put there to impede our progress or to keep us from enjoying life. On the contrary, they are given to us to keep us from making harmful choices.

Luke 8:16-18 “No one, when he has lit a lamp, covers it with a vessel or puts it under a bed, but sets it on a lampstand, that those who enter may see the light. 17 For nothing is secret that will not be revealed, nor anything hidden that will not be known and come to light. 18 Therefore take heed how you hear. For whoever has, to him more will be given; and whoever does not have, even what he seems to have will be taken from him.” (NKJ)

Jesus quickly switches from seeing to hearing. Do you see what I am saying? Why is it so important to pay close attention to what we hear? Because that is where we get faith and it is also where doubt comes from.

Romans 10:17 So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. (NKJ)

Mark 5:25-28:34-36 Now a certain woman had a flow of blood for twelve years, 26 and had suffered many things from many physicians. She had spent all that she had and was no better, but rather grew worse. 27 When she heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His garment. 28 For she said, “If only I may touch His clothes, I shall be made well.” …34 And He said to her, “Daughter, your faith has made you well. Go in peace, and be healed of your affliction.”
35 While He was still speaking, someone came from the ruler of the synagogue’s house who said, “Your daughter is dead. Why trouble the Teacher any further?” 36 As soon as Jesus heard the word that was spoken, He said to the ruler of the synagogue, “Do not be afraid; only believe.” (NKJ)

We must guard what we hear. It will make the difference between believing and doubting.

Hebrews 2:1 Therefore we must give the more earnest heed to the things we have heard, lest we drift away. (NKJ)

God’s Word Translation For this reason we must pay closer attention to what we have heard. Then we won’t drift away [from the truth].

Warning signs are not just from the outside as we travel down life’s highway. There are warning lights that illuminate on the inside as well. For example: there are a plethora of warning lights on the dashboard of a car. Blinker indicator, lights indicator, alternator light, check engine light, etc. You can continue down the road ignoring most of them for quite some time. However, when the low fuel light comes on, it’s telling you that you cannot continue for much longer without running out of fuel.
The Word of God is our fuel. Low Word equals low faith. When you begin to listen to the world, circumstances, or problems over the Word, it’s an indication that you are going to run out of faith, and you will not be able to get where you are trying to go.
Let’s look at Peter walking on the water for example.

Matthew 14:22-31 Immediately Jesus made His disciples get into the boat and go before Him to the other side, while He sent the multitudes away. 23 And when He had sent the multitudes away, He went up on the mountain by Himself to pray. Now when evening came, He was alone there. 24 But the boat was now in the middle of the sea, tossed by the waves, for the wind was contrary. 25 Now in the fourth watch of the night (3:00 to 6:00 AM) Jesus went to them, walking on the sea. 26 And when the disciples saw Him walking on the sea, they were troubled, saying, “It is a ghost!” And they cried out for fear. 27 But immediately Jesus spoke to them, saying, “Be of good cheer! It is I; do not be afraid.” 28 And Peter answered Him and said, “Lord, if it is You, command me to come to You on the water.” 29 So He said, “Come.” And when Peter had come down out of the boat, he walked on the water to go to Jesus. 30 But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink he cried out, saying, “Lord, save me!” 31 And immediately Jesus stretched out His hand and caught him, and said to him, “O you of little faith, why did you doubt?” 32 And when they got into the boat, the wind ceased. (NKJ)

Do not base your faith on what you see. Base faith upon the Word. To the degree you love the Word is the same degree you love Jesus.

John 1:14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. Here, Understand, Believe, and Receive. To him who has ears to hear, let him hear. (Mark 4:23)