Recently, I took my first-ever hike through the beautiful desert of southern Arizona. Think prickly pear and towering saguaro cacti, multicolored mountains, and a Wisconsin boy escaping the March snow of his native land for the southwestern sun. There was only one problem—I got lost. Apparently, I left the official hiking trail and ended up in a thick mix of pokey plants and burrowed holes that looked like venomous snakes might be hiding within them. Oops.

It turns out that not every way is a good way. In fact, some ways are downright dangerous. This is what Jesus meant when he said, “I am the way” (John 14:6). Jesus made it simple, declaring himself to be the one and only way to a relationship with God.

Lose sight of Jesus and you’ll get lost in thoughts of your own worthiness—am I really good enough to go to a better place like heaven? Deviate from the path of his promises and you’ll put yourself in danger of that ancient serpent, the devil, who will strike with the venomous accusation of your failures (there are plenty). But stick to the way, that is, believe in Jesus, and you will be safe.

Your heavenly Father wants you to know, beyond a shadow of a doubt, that you are heaven bound. He wants to free you today from fearing anything in your future. That’s why he sent his Son to show you the way.