Category Archives: Trusting God

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March 20, 2014

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Fruit of the Spirit, God's Promises, Peace of God, Trusting God

HOW SAFE ARE OUR HOMES?

If the Lord does not build the house, it is useless for the builders to work on it. If the Lord does not protect a city, it is useless for the guard to stay alert. [Psalm 127:1 (GW)]

A Naples, Florida, real estate ad recently touted a house with a 35-camera security system “set up so if you travel or leave your kids with a sitter, you would have peace of mind.” Another exclusive neighborhood brags about their 24-hour private security patrols and surveillance cameras. One home in that neighborhood is notable for having doors that can withstand the force of a rocket propelled grenade. Do these people truly have security and peace of mind? What does it take for us to feel safe in our homes?

Gated communities, security patrols, alarm systems, surveillance cameras, bullet proof glass and fortified doors can’t protect anyone from Alzheimer’s, addiction, floods, heart-break, cancer, depression, the loss of a child or spouse, financial ruin, or our own death. These things will happen to believers and non-believers alike. The Book of Job makes that abundantly clear. Those who have faith, however, will be sustained through their difficulties. Only in God do we find a true guarantee of security and peace.

My people will live in a peaceful place, in safe homes and quiet places of rest. [Isaiah 32:18 (GW)]

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March 11, 2014

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God's Plan, God's Promises, Trusting God

He Will Provide

I have filled Bezalel with the Spirit of God and have given him the skill, ability, and knowledge to do all kinds of work. … I have given skills to all the craftsmen, and they will be able to make all these things I have commanded you… [Exodus 31:3,6b (NCV)]

The Lord instructed Moses on the construction of the Meeting Tent, the Ark of the Covenant, the lid that covered the Ark, and everything that would go into the Tent. He also assigned tasks to specific craftsmen. More important, God provided those men with the skills they needed to do their work. Sometimes, we’re hesitant to accept God’s call to a task because we doubt our abilities. It’s good to remember that when God calls us to do something, He will give us the necessary expertise to achieve His goal.

I am the Lord your God, who holds your right hand, and I tell you, “Don’t be afraid. I will help you.” [Isaiah 41:13 (NCV)]

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March 10, 2014

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Bible Stories, Fear & Doubt, God's Plan, Obedience, Trusting God

What Chutzpah!

The angel of the Lord appeared to Gideon and said, “The Lord is with you, mighty warrior!” Then Gideon said, “Sir, if the Lord is with us, why are we having so much trouble? Where are the miracles our ancestors told us he did when the Lord brought them out of Egypt? But now he has left us and has handed us over to the Midianites.” [Judges 6:1 (NCV)]

If we need an example of real chutzpah, it would be Gideon. When the angel of the Lord appeared before Gideon, instead of kneeling before him in awe, Gideon had the insolence to immediately complain about his troubles. When the Lord told Gideon he would be the one to save his people, Gideon tried to weasel his way out of it by pointing out that he was the least of the least. When the Lord reassured him, Gideon asked for proof that he was really speaking with God. Once satisfied, Gideon did as he was told and pulled down his father’s altar of Baal and cut down the Asherah idol. He then gathered an army to do battle with the Midianites. Gideon, however, continued to doubt God and had the audacity to demand that God pass not one, but two, more tests again. Now that’s chutzpah!

Are we so different from Gideon? When God speaks to us, do we recognize his voice? Instead of praising and thanking him, do we complain when life doesn’t go well? When He gives us an undertaking, do we try to get out of it by listing all of the reasons we can’t do it? Most of us use every excuse in the book to convince God we’re not up to whatever task he gives us. Once convinced the mission is from God and that we are capable, do we still have misgivings and question His way?

Father, forgive us when we doubt you, your message and your power. You’ve proven yourself to us countless times; don’t let us doubt you. Reassure us that we are, indeed, capable of great things when you are the one sending us.

The Lord turned to Gideon and said, “Go with your strength and save Israel from the Midianites. I am the one who is sending you.” [Judges 6:14 (NCV)]

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February 24, 2014

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God's Promises, Trusting God

He Can’t Lie!

God is not like people. He tells no lies. He is not like humans. He doesn’t change his mind. When he says something, he does it. When he makes a promise, he keeps it. [Numbers 23:19 (GW)]

We seem to be bombarded with untruths and misinformation on all fronts. We’ve been told that we can keep our insurance, the athlete never took any drugs, the president didn’t have sexual relations, and there will be no new taxes. There are also the little lies we encounter every day: the medical test won’t hurt, it was on sale, the check’s in the mail, and the unidentifiable casserole is delicious. Because of the lies we hear and tell, we have become skeptical and cynical when promises are made. How reassuring to know that changing and lying are the two things that we do that our omnipotent God can’t (or won’t). While God can do all things, His very character keeps him from being able to lie or break a promise. Thank you, O Lord, for the truth of your message of love and redemption.

In addition, the Glory of Israel does not lie or change his mind, because he is not a mortal who changes his mind. [1 Samuel 15:29 (GW)]

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February 12, 2014

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Faith & Hope, God's Promises, Trusting God, Wisdom & Guidance

Blind Faith

Send your light and your truth. Let them guide me. Let them bring me to your holy mountain and to your dwelling place. [Psalm 43:3 (GW)]

Have you ever seen a blind skier navigate down a mountain slope? The visually impaired skier is guided down the slope by a sighted skier who calls out to him when to turn and which direction to take. The blind skier has to have complete trust in his guide and must listen carefully to his instruction. When his guide says, “Turn right,” the skier doesn’t reply, “Do I really have to?” When told to get off the chair lift, he doesn’t try to second-guess his guide asking, “Are you sure?” When instructed to stop, the blind skier doesn’t argue saying, “But, I don’t want to!” No, he obeys. This is, indeed, a true example of “blind faith.” That is the kind of faith and trust we need to have in our life’s guide: God.

I know not the way God leads me, but well do I know my Guide. [Martin Luther]

I lead the blind on unfamiliar roads. I will lead them on unfamiliar paths. I will turn darkness into light in front of them. I will make rough places smooth. These are the things I will do for them, and I will never abandon them. [Isaiah 42:16 (GW)]

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January 26, 2014

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Attitudes & Behavior, Love & Works, Money & Wealth, Trusting God

When Is Enough Enough?

If someone has enough money to live well and sees a brother or sister in need but shows no compassion — how can God’s love be in that person? Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. [1 John 3:17-18 (NLT)]

This is the time of year we start preparing our taxes and adding up what we’ve given to the church and various charities. While we peruse the spread sheet, perhaps we should do some soul searching. What is the definition of “living well”? How much money is “enough”? When does “enough” become “too much”? How much do we need? How much need is there? How much should we give? How much should we keep? These questions don’t just apply to money; they also apply to our time, energy, and skills. Do we have enough to share those assets? These are questions we each have to prayerfully ask the Lord. They are difficult questions; they involve trusting God. Many of us know we have enough for now but wonder if we’ll have enough for whatever the future will bring. How much trust do we have that God will make whatever we have “enough”?

Yet true godliness with contentment is itself great wealth. After all, we brought nothing with us when we came into the world, and we can’t take anything with us when we leave it. So if we have enough food and clothing, let us be content. [1 Timothy 6:6-8 (NLT)]