Faith is at the heart of everything I share through Sharla’s Wanderlust Adventures.
My travels, my healing journey, my writing, and my desire to encourage other women all flow from my relationship with Jesus Christ. I do not claim to have every answer, nor have I walked this journey perfectly. I am continually learning, growing, surrendering, and allowing the Lord to transform me through His Word and the power of the Holy Spirit.
This page is here to clearly explain the biblical beliefs upon which this website and ministry are built.
I Believe the Bible Is the Word of God
I believe the Bible is the inspired, trustworthy, and authoritative Word of God. Scripture reveals who God is, teaches us the truth, shows us how to live, corrects us when we wander, and equips us for the work He has called us to do.
The Bible is not simply a collection of inspirational stories. It is living and powerful. It is the foundation upon which I seek to build my beliefs, decisions, relationships, and daily life.
“All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness.”
—2 Timothy 3:16
See also: Psalm 119:105; Hebrews 4:12; 2 Peter 1:20–21
I Believe in One God
I believe there is one true and living God who eternally exists in three Persons: God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit.
Each Person of the Trinity is fully God, yet there is only one God. He is holy, loving, just, merciful, all-knowing, all-powerful, and faithful. He is the Creator of heaven and earth, and everything exists through Him and for His glory.
“Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God is one Lord.”
—Deuteronomy 6:4
See also: Genesis 1:1; Matthew 28:19; John 1:1–3; 2 Corinthians 13:14
I Believe Jesus Christ Is the Son of God
I believe Jesus Christ is fully God and fully man. He was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the virgin Mary, and lived a completely sinless life.
Jesus willingly died on the cross as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. He was buried, and on the third day He physically rose from the grave, defeating sin and death. He later ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of the Father.
Jesus is not merely a teacher, prophet, or good example. He is the Son of God, the promised Messiah, our Savior, and the only way to reconciliation with the Father.
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”
—John 14:6
See also: Isaiah 53; Matthew 1:18–23; John 1:14; Romans 5:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3–4; Hebrews 4:15
I Believe We Are All in Need of a Savior
I believe every person is created in the image of God and possesses immeasurable value. However, humanity has been separated from God by sin. None of us can become righteous through good deeds, religious behavior, or our own effort.
We have all sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. We cannot save ourselves. We need the mercy, forgiveness, and saving grace offered through Jesus Christ.
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.”
—Romans 3:23
See also: Genesis 1:26–27; Romans 3:10–12; Romans 6:23; Ephesians 2:1–5
I Believe Salvation Is by Grace Through Faith
I believe salvation is a gift from God that we receive through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ. We are not saved by good works, religious rituals, church attendance, or trying to become “good enough.” We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus and the completed work of the cross.
True faith involves more than knowing facts about Jesus. It means placing our trust in Him, turning away from sin, surrendering our lives to His lordship, and receiving His forgiveness.
When we place our faith in Christ, we are forgiven, made new, adopted into God’s family, and given eternal life. Good works do not earn salvation; they are the fruit of a life that has been changed by Jesus.
“For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God.”
—Ephesians 2:8
See also: John 3:16; Romans 10:9–10; 2 Corinthians 5:17; Titus 3:4–7
I Believe in Repentance and a Transformed Life
I believe repentance means recognizing our sin, turning away from it, and turning toward God. It is not simply feeling guilty or sorry. It is allowing the Lord to change the direction of our hearts and lives.
Following Jesus does not mean we will immediately become perfect. Sanctification is a lifelong process in which the Holy Spirit continually teaches, corrects, heals, and transforms us to become more like Christ.
God meets us where we are, but He loves us too much to leave us there.
“If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”
—2 Corinthians 5:17
See also: Acts 3:19; Romans 12:1–2; Galatians 2:20; Philippians 1:6
I Believe in Water Baptism
I believe water baptism is an important act of obedience for those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. Baptism symbolizes our identification with the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus.
Going beneath the water represents the burial of our old life, and rising from the water represents the new life we have received in Christ. Baptism does not earn salvation, but it is a public declaration that we belong to Jesus and intend to follow Him.
“Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead… even so we also should walk in newness of life.”
—Romans 6:4
See also: Matthew 28:19–20; Acts 2:38–41; Acts 8:36–38; Colossians 2:12
I Believe in the Holy Spirit
I believe the Holy Spirit is fully God and actively working in the lives of believers today. The Holy Spirit convicts us of sin, reveals truth, gives us spiritual understanding, comforts us, teaches us, guides us, and empowers us to live as witnesses for Jesus.
Every person who belongs to Christ is indwelt by the Holy Spirit. I also believe believers should continually yield to and be filled with the Spirit, allowing Him to lead every area of their lives.
A Spirit-led life should increasingly produce His fruit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost… he shall teach you all things.”
—John 14:26
See also: John 16:7–15; Acts 1:8; Romans 8:9–14; Galatians 5:22–25; Ephesians 5:18
I Believe in the Gifts of the Holy Spirit
I believe the gifts of the Holy Spirit described in Scripture are given to believers according to God’s will and remain active today. These gifts are not given to elevate individuals or draw attention to ourselves. They are given to strengthen the Church, serve others, reveal the love and power of God, and bring glory to Jesus.
Every spiritual gift must be exercised in humility, biblical order, love, and submission to God’s Word. Spiritual experiences should never replace Scripture or contradict the truth God has already revealed.
“But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal.”
—1 Corinthians 12:7
See also: Romans 12:3–8; 1 Corinthians 12–14; Ephesians 4:11–13; 1 Peter 4:10–11
I Believe in Prayer
I believe prayer is an intimate conversation with God and an essential part of our relationship with Him. Through prayer, we worship Him, confess our sins, express gratitude, bring Him our needs, intercede for others, and learn to recognize His direction.
God hears the prayers of His children. Sometimes He answers exactly as we hoped, sometimes He asks us to wait, and sometimes His answer looks different from what we expected. Even when we do not understand His timing, we can trust His wisdom, character, and faithful care.
“Pray without ceasing.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:17
See also: Matthew 6:6–13; Philippians 4:6–7; Hebrews 4:16; 1 John 5:14–15
I Believe God Still Heals
I believe God is our Creator, Sustainer, and Healer. Scripture teaches us to pray for the sick and to trust God with our bodies, minds, and spirits.
God can heal miraculously, gradually, through wise care, or through means we may not have expected. I also recognize that not every healing occurs in the way or timing we desire. Our faithfulness or worth cannot be measured by whether physical healing happens immediately.
Our ultimate hope is not in a particular remedy, practice, or outcome. Our hope is in Jesus Christ. Complete restoration will come when God makes all things new.
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”
—Psalm 147:3
See also: Psalm 103:1–5; James 5:14–16; 2 Corinthians 12:7–10; Revelation 21:4–5
I Believe in the Church
I believe the Church is made up of all people who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. Jesus is the head of the Church, and believers are called to gather for worship, biblical teaching, prayer, fellowship, communion, encouragement, accountability, and service.
The Church is not a building. It is the body of Christ. Although no local church is perfect, believers are not meant to walk alone. We need one another, and we are called to love, serve, forgive, encourage, and carry one another’s burdens.
“Now ye are the body of Christ, and members in particular.”
—1 Corinthians 12:27
See also: Acts 2:42–47; Ephesians 4:11–16; Hebrews 10:24–25; Galatians 6:2
I Believe We Are Called to Love and Serve Others
I believe followers of Jesus are called to love God wholeheartedly and love others as He has loved us. Biblical love does not ignore truth, but it always reflects the heart and character of Christ.
We are called to care for the vulnerable, encourage the weary, feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, forgive those who have hurt us, and share the hope of the Gospel.
We do not serve others to earn God’s love. We serve because He first loved us.
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.”
—John 13:35
See also: Matthew 22:37–39; Matthew 25:35–40; John 15:12; James 2:14–17; 1 John 4:19
I Believe in the Pre-Tribulation Rapture and the Return of Jesus Christ
I believe Jesus Christ will personally and visibly return, just as He promised. I also believe Scripture teaches that before God pours out His wrath upon the earth during the Tribulation, Jesus will gather His Church to Himself in what is commonly called the pre-tribulation rapture.
Although Christians may interpret the timing of end-times events differently, this is the understanding I have reached through prayerfully studying God’s Word. I do not place my hope in a theological timeline; I place my hope in Jesus Christ. Yet I believe He has given His people these promises so that we may remain watchful, prepared, encouraged, and unafraid.
Believers Are Not Appointed to God’s Wrath
I believe it is important to distinguish between tribulation and the wrath of God.
Jesus never promised that His followers would be spared from suffering, persecution, hardship, or tribulation caused by living in a fallen and evil world. In fact, He told us that we would experience trouble:
“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.”
—John 16:33
Believers throughout history have endured persecution, loss, suffering, and attacks from the enemy. However, the tribulation we experience in this world is not the same as the divine wrath God will pour out in judgment upon a rebellious world.
Scripture repeatedly assures those who belong to Christ that we are not appointed to God’s wrath:
“For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ.”
—1 Thessalonians 5:9
“And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, which delivered us from the wrath to come.”
—1 Thessalonians 1:10
“Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”
—Romans 5:9
I believe Jesus bore the judgment for our sins upon the cross. Those who have been justified by His blood may face the hatred and tribulation of this world, but we are not destined to experience the wrath of God.
Jesus also promised the faithful church:
“Because thou hast kept the word of my patience, I also will keep thee from the hour of temptation, which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon the earth.”
—Revelation 3:10
This promise does not merely speak of protection from a particular trial. It speaks of being kept from the worldwide hour of testing itself. This is one reason I believe Christ will remove His Church before that appointed time begins. Read Revelation 3:10.
We Will Be Caught Up to Meet Jesus in the Clouds
Scripture teaches that a day is coming when Jesus will descend from heaven, the dead in Christ will rise, and believers who are still living will be caught up to meet Him in the air:
“For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first:
Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord.
Wherefore comfort one another with these words.”
—1 Thessalonians 4:16–18
The word rapture does not appear in most English Bible translations, but the truth it describes does. The words “caught up” refer to believers being suddenly taken up to meet Jesus.
Paul did not tell believers to frighten one another with these words. He said to comfort one another with them. The rapture is our blessed hope—the promise that Jesus will gather His people and that we will be with Him forever. Read 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18.
Paul also explained that this transformation will happen suddenly:
“In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump… the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.”
—1 Corinthians 15:52
Jesus promised His disciples that He was preparing a place for them and would return to receive them unto Himself:
“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”
—John 14:3
It Will Be Like the Days of Noah and Lot
Jesus compared the time of His coming to the days of Noah and Lot. People were continuing with everyday life—eating, drinking, marrying, buying, selling, planting, and building—without recognizing how close judgment was.
“And as it was in the days of Noe, so shall it be also in the days of the Son of man.”
—Luke 17:26
Noah entered the ark before the flood came and destroyed those outside it. Lot was led out of Sodom before fire and brimstone fell:
“But the same day that Lot went out of Sodom it rained fire and brimstone from heaven, and destroyed them all.”
—Luke 17:29
God did not pour out His judgment upon Noah or Lot along with the wicked. Noah was secured inside the ark, and Lot was removed from the place appointed for destruction. Only after they were safely separated did judgment fall.
I believe these accounts reveal a pattern in God’s character. Just as He knew how to preserve Noah and remove Lot before judgment, He knows how to deliver those who belong to Him before His wrath is poured out upon the earth.
“The Lord knoweth how to deliver the godly out of temptations, and to reserve the unjust unto the day of judgment to be punished.”
—2 Peter 2:9
Jesus specifically connected these events with the day when the Son of Man will be revealed. Read Luke 17:26–30.
Jesus Told Us to Watch and Pray That We May Escape
Jesus did not tell His followers that escape was impossible. He instructed us to remain spiritually awake and to pray:
“Watch ye therefore, and pray always, that ye may be accounted worthy to escape all these things that shall come to pass, and to stand before the Son of man.”
—Luke 21:36
The events Jesus described would come upon “all them that dwell on the face of the whole earth” (Luke 21:35). Yet He spoke of His faithful people escaping these things and standing before Him.
This does not mean we earn rescue through good works or personal worthiness. Salvation belongs entirely to Jesus. Our calling is to belong to Him, remain spiritually awake, abide in His Word, and live expectantly rather than allowing the cares of this world to dull our hearts. Read Luke 21:34–36.
The Bride and the Tribulation Saints Are Described Differently
I also see an important distinction in Revelation between the Bride of Christ and those who come to faith during the Great Tribulation.
Revelation 19 describes the Bride—the Lamb’s wife—prepared for the marriage supper:
“And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.”
—Revelation 19:8
Revelation 7 describes another multitude standing before God:
“These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”
—Revelation 7:14
An important clarification is that Revelation was written in Greek, not Hebrew. These passages use different Greek garment expressions. Revelation 19:8 describes the Bride’s clothing as byssinon—fine linen—while Revelation 7 uses stolē for the white robes worn by the multitude coming out of the Great Tribulation. See the Greek entry for stolē.
I believe this difference is consistent with the distinction Revelation presents between the Bride of Christ, who has already been prepared for the marriage of the Lamb, and those who turn to Jesus during the Tribulation and wash their robes in His blood. I would not base the entire doctrine of the pre-tribulation rapture on these Greek words alone, but the different descriptions support the broader sequence I see throughout Scripture.
Our Hope Is Jesus, Not Fear
I believe the Church should be watchful, but not terrified. We should recognize the times, share the Gospel urgently, and live in a way that honors Christ. However, our focus should never become fear, speculation, or setting dates.
No one knows the day or hour of Christ’s coming. Our responsibility is to remain ready, faithfully complete the work He has given us, and encourage others to know Jesus while there is still time.
The promise of the rapture is not permission to disengage from the world. It should inspire us to live holy lives, love people deeply, serve faithfully, and proclaim the Gospel boldly.
“Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ.”
—Titus 2:13
Jesus will gather His people. He will judge sin and evil. He will establish His righteous kingdom and ultimately make all things new. Those who belong to Christ will live eternally in His presence.
Therefore, I choose to remain watchful, faithful, hopeful, and ready—not because I trust in my own goodness, but because I trust in the finished work, unfailing promises, and saving grace of Jesus Christ.
Regardless if you believe in the pretrib, midtrib or post-trib rapture, it will not affect your salvation. As long as you believe in the Lord, Yahweh, Yeshua, Jesus Christ, you are saved and will have eternal life. What a promise that is.
I Believe Our Purpose Is to Glorify God
I believe we were created to know God, love Him, glorify Him, and enjoy a relationship with Him. Every part of life—our work, families, journeys, struggles, gifts, health, resources, and testimony—can be surrendered to Him and used for His glory.
God can redeem the most painful parts of our stories. Nothing surrendered to Him is wasted. He can use our wounds to help others heal, our wilderness seasons to deepen our faith, and our testimony to lead someone else toward hope.
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.”
—1 Corinthians 10:31
See also: Romans 8:28; Ephesians 2:10; Colossians 3:17; Revelation 12:11
Do You Know Jesus?
You may have found this page because you are curious about my beliefs. Perhaps you have known Jesus for many years, or maybe you are searching for hope and do not yet know what you believe.
Please know this: Jesus loves you.
You do not have to clean yourself up before coming to Him. You do not have to earn His attention or become worthy of His grace. None of us could ever save ourselves—that is why Jesus came.
He lived the life we could not live, died the death our sin deserved, and rose from the grave so we could be forgiven, restored, and given eternal life.
Salvation begins by recognizing that you have sinned, believing that Jesus is the Son of God who died and rose again, turning away from sin, and placing your trust in Him as Savior and Lord.
You can speak to Him honestly, right where you are.
A Prayer of Surrender
Heavenly Father, I know that I have sinned and that I cannot save myself. I believe Jesus Christ is Your Son. I believe He died on the cross for my sins and rose from the grave. Please forgive me and make me new. I turn away from my old life and surrender my heart to You. Jesus, be my Savior and the Lord of my life. Fill me with Your Holy Spirit, teach me Your truth, and help me follow You from this day forward. Thank You for Your grace, Your forgiveness, and the gift of eternal life. In Jesus’ name, amen.
The prayer itself is not a formula that saves us—Jesus does. Salvation rests in sincerely placing our faith in Him and receiving the grace He offers.
If you have made the decision to follow Jesus, I encourage you to begin reading the Bible, starting with the Gospel of John. Talk with God through prayer, find a Bible-believing church, and speak with a mature Christian who can encourage you as you grow. Baptism is also a beautiful and important next step of obedience.
Following Jesus does not promise a life without trials. It gives us something far greater: His presence in every trial, forgiveness for our sins, a new identity, a family of faith, an eternal hope, and the assurance that we will never walk alone.
My Heart Behind This Ministry
Sharla’s Wanderlust Adventures is about more than traveling to beautiful places. It is about encountering the Creator through His creation, walking by faith when the path ahead is uncertain, pursuing healing and wholeness, and sharing what God has taught me along the way.
I am still growing. I am still learning. I am still being refined.
But this I know: Jesus has met me in my pain, carried me through the wilderness, delivered me from bondage, restored my hope, and transformed my life. Everything I share here is an overflow of what He has done for me.
My prayer is that through these stories, Bible studies, prayers, natural-healing resources, and wanderlust adventures, you will be encouraged to draw closer to Jesus and discover the freedom, healing, purpose, and hope found in Him.
To God alone be all the glory.
✨ Grace, adventure, and faith along the journey
Sharla – Sharla’s Wanderlust Adventures
Don’t forget — go somewhere new, heal the way God designed, and glorify Him in the journey.
My Challenge to YOU: Go somewhere new, heal the way God designed, and give Him all the glory in all you do.
About Sharla
Hi, I'm Sharla—a veteran, traveler, empty nester, dog mom to Buster, and follower of Jesus. Through Sharla's Wanderlust Adventures, I share faith-filled travel experiences, Christian retreats, natural wellness, Bible studies, and the lessons God teaches me along the journey.
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Sharla’s Wanderlust Adventures is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on this site, I may earn a small affiliate commission at no additional cost to you. I only share tools, resources, and products I’ve personally used, researched, or believe genuinely support healing.