Okay, the first question is not the real issue, is it? The real question is, Do you really trust God? Do the two go together? Absolutely.
Most of us want to trust God for the “fix”–the answer that we’ve asked Him for. Claim the promise. Right? So we confess it, we act on it, and we nail it down! God said it, that’s that! Yes, I really trust God. And we wait to see the fix.
What Happens When…
Lost your job? You child is rebelling? Received a bad report from the doctor? It’s only a matter of time…until God will come through. Right? Right! Do you really trust God? Maybe….
Is God really trustworthy? Yes! What if? What if the fix doesn’t happen? Unemployment stretches on. Children don’t return. You don’t get well. Is God still trustworthy?
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV).
That verse in Proverbs says to trust in the Lord with all your heart–not a part, not halfway, but all. Lean not to your own understanding. Don’t try to figure it out on your own. Refrain from dictating to God when or how something should happen. God is God; you are not. That’s where the problem lies with the “trust” issue.
In all your ways–that means all–acknowledge Him. Make His name known; put Him first; make Him “boss.” And He will (not maybe) direct your paths. It doesn’t say God will answer the way you want, but He will direct, lead, or prod you in the right direction, the “path” He has laid out for you (even if you don’t have a clue what to do). Another translation says He will make your way smooth. He will make your way bearable.
It’s a Challenge to Trust God
Trusting God is a challenge for me. I bet it is for you, too. It’s easy to trust God for ___________ but when it comes to _______________. We’ll both just fill in the blanks, okay? God knows what our most difficult issues are.
Let’s test our “trust quotient.” How do you know if you’re trusting God? Here are four possible ways:
Real Trust Means:
1. No timetable
2. No fixes
3. No worry
4. No control (of mine)
Here’s another way of looking at it:
The ABC’s of Trusting:
1. A sking God’s help (Jeremiah 33:3; Psalm 46:1)
2. B elieving God is in control (Jeremiah 32:17, NLT)
3. C onfessing God’s faithfulness (Psalm 89:8, NLT; Deuteronomy 32:4, NLT)
4. L eaving the answer to God (even if He decides not to “fix” the problem). (Psalm 31:14, NLT; Romans 11:33, NLT).
Wait a minute! It’s that last one that tests us the most, would you agree? That’s the one that doesn’t fit our “alphabet order.” Because believing that God is trustworthy is believing that God will never act any other way than what will ultimately bring good. He is God; He is faithful; and He is good. And no lack of trust in Him will ever change the character of God.
The question is not, “Is God really trustworthy?” The question is, “Do you really trust God?” Only you–and God–can answer that. But there is a sweetness in the relationship when your faltering steps of faith turn to quiet rest and total dependence on One who will never disappoint you, never fail you, and who is always, 100% faithful.
*This post first appeared in 2012.
It’s Your Turn
What about you? Have you found God to be trustworthy? In what ways? When is it most difficult for you to trust Him? I’d love to hear from you anytime. You can always write me through my contact page. If you’ll fill out the basic name and address info, then the e-mail will come to me. Your name or info will never be shared with anyone without your permission.
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