Category Archives: Trusting God

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July 13, 2014

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Faith & Hope, Knowing Him, Miracles, Salvation: A New You, Trusting God

THE MIRACLE IS OUR SALVATION

Because of the miraculous signs Jesus did in Jerusalem at the Passover celebration, many began to trust in him. But Jesus didn’t trust them, because he knew human nature. No one needed to tell him what mankind is really like. [John 2:23-25 (NLT)]

People were impressed by his miracles and, as long as Jesus provided them with the spectacular miracles they desired, they believed. Are we a bit like the people of Jerusalem? Is our belief predicated on the miracles of Jesus and what he can do for us? Jesus, however, knew how fickle people are and that many of those who professed belief would later call out, “Crucify him.” They wanted a messiah who would save them from Rome, not a savior who would give them eternal life. They wanted a messiah who would make life easier for them, not one who told them to turn from their sinful ways and take up their crosses.

As long as life goes smoothly, as long as God heals us and provides for our physical needs, it’s easy to believe in Him. But, if God doesn’t answer our prayers the way we want, does our faith falter? If He doesn’t produce miracles for us, do we stop believing? The reason for faith in Christ is not to get something from God but, rather, to be reconciled to God.

Jesus replied, “I tell you the truth, you want to be with me because I fed you, not because you understood the miraculous signs. But don’t be so concerned about perishable things like food. Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that the Son of Man can give you. For God the Father has given me the seal of his approval. [John 6:26-27 (NLT)]

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July 5, 2014

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God's Promises, Trusting God

THE LORD IS WITH YOU

Gabriel appeared to her [Mary] and said, “Greetings, favored woman! The Lord is with you!” [Luke 1:28 (NLT)]

For God has said, “I will never fail you. I will never abandon you.” [Hebrews 13:5b (NLT)]

Many of us attend churches where the liturgy includes the minister or priest saying something like, “The Lord be with you,” and the congregation responding, “And with your spirit.” That wording almost implies that God needs to be called upon to join the service. God, however, has promised that he is always with us. In fact, he leads the way and promises to never disappoint or forsake us. Perhaps we should rewrite the liturgy to reflect what the angel said to Mary: “The Lord is with you.” The congregation’s response could be, “He is with us all, now and forever!”

Do not be afraid or discouraged, for the Lord will personally go ahead of you. He will be with you; he will neither fail you nor abandon you. [Deuteronomy 31:8 (NLT)]

The Lord be with you.
And also with you.
Lift up your hearts.
We lift them up to the Lord.
Let us give thanks to the Lord our God.
It is right to give our thanks and praise. [Methodist liturgy]

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June 26, 2014

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Challenges & Difficulty, Trusting God

HE IS OUR STRENGTH

The Lord is my strength and my song; he has given me victory [Exodus 15:2a (NLT)]

Lord, help us remember that it is the experience and not the outcome that is your gift. We may not always be victorious but we are always blessed. We are enriched by every experience, not just the ones we enjoy! When we waver, help us remember that we are not the writers of our life’s script; you alone are the author. We may not like where we are at the moment, but thank you for giving us the strength to make it through anything.

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June 23, 2014

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Challenges & Difficulty, Prayer, Trusting God

DISTRESS CALLS TO HEAVEN

Listen closely to my prayer, O Lord; hear my urgent cry. I will call to you whenever I’m in trouble, and you will answer me. [Psalm 86:6-7 (NLT)]

If there is a medical emergency, we’re supposed to call 911 and trust the first responders to know what to do. Yet, when we encounter a personal problem, we often hesitate to call on the best first responder: God. Thinking we can fix every problem on our own, we try our personal version of first aid to keep the relationship from fraying, the child from straying, and the finances from failing. It’s often not until we make a total mess of things that we do what we should have done first: call on God! Why is God our last resort when he should be our first call? Today, I choose to trust God and call on him first.

But in my distress I cried out to the Lord; yes, I prayed to my God for help. He heard me from his sanctuary; my cry to him reached his ears. [Psalm 18:6 (NLT)]

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June 9, 2014

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Faith & Hope, Fear & Doubt, Joy, Trusting God, Worry

LET’S GET OUT OF THE DARK ROOM

I prayed to the Lord, and he answered me. He freed me from all my fears. [Psalm 34:4 (NLT)]

Fear and worry are powerful emotions; they can keep us from living the confident and joy-filled life our Father in Heaven has in mind for us. They lose their power, however, when we trust God. Trusting God doesn’t mean that we will never have difficulties. What it does mean is that, even if our worst fears come true, we will never have to face them alone; God is with us.

Worry is the darkroom in which negatives are developed! [Anonymous bit of bumper sticker wisdom]

Give all your worries and cares to God, for he cares about you. [1 Peter 5:7 (NLT)]

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May 25, 2014

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Prayer, Trusting God

Who’s on Your Speed Dial?

Search for the Lord and for his strength; continually seek him. [Psalm 105:4 (NLT)]

Do you remember the “Seinfeld” episode about one’s placement on the speed dial of someone else’s phone? Following a bad date, Jerry discovered that his name had moved from seventh to ninth position on his girlfriend’s phone. “This speed dial’s like a relationship barometer,” was his conclusion.

Our pastor told the story of a church council that was dealing with a rather vexing problem. In fact, there was so much discord that the survival of the parish was at stake. During a particularly contentious council meeting, the minister suggested that they pause for some prayer. A stunned church elder responded, “Good Heavens! Has it finally come to that?”

My point? Who is first on our speed dials? Is God the first one we call with our problems or the last resort when all else fails? If He’s not number one, there’s something wrong with our relationship. Let’s keep him in first place and remember that, if we chat with him daily about the little things in our lives, it’s much easier to hand him the big problems when they arise.

Never forget the three powerful resources you always have available to you: love, prayer, and forgiveness. [H. Jackson Brown, Jr.]

Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart. [Colossians 4:2 (NLT)]