"Working Without a Net"
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Years ago, looking for something new and exciting to try, I took a trapeze class. I remember climbing the tall, shaky metal ladder, hooking my legs to hang upside down on the bar, and swinging out. Then came the hard part: trusting someone else's grip as I let go of the bar and flew through the air.
Fortunately, there was a net in case something went wrong. But in the disciple's life of faith, we work without a net. So why would anyone release the cables that seem to secure them? Why would we choose instead to take the Lord's hands and let him swing us far beyond our comfort zone? Because he is faithful, reliable, and utterly count-on-able to keep his promises and see us through!
This year we're Cross Training to develop twelve marks of the Master, beginning with faith, which encompasses our belief, trust, and loyalty. Last week we explored belief, so now let's work our way to trust.
What You Need to Know
While belief starts in our mind, trust is an act of the heart. Belief defines what we think is true, but our trust decides who we'll rely on. It's the mortar that holds relationships together. No wonder faith is the basis for knowing God (Gal. 2:20; 3:11, 26).
Riches will fail (Prov. 11:28), our minds might lead us astray (Prov. 28:26), and even our closest friends could betray us (Psalm 118:8). But God has never let anyone down, made a promise he won't keep, or told a lie (Heb. 6:18). He always works for our good (Rom. 8:28). So we hope in him and wait on him (Psalm 62:5-8). Because we know him (2 Tim. 1:12), his character gives us stability and peace (Isaiah 7:9; 26:3-4; Phil. 4:7).
What You Need to Do
Like any relationship built on confidence, every interaction with the Lord should convey how much we trust him. Speak to him with trust through your regular and sincere prayers (Mark 11:24). Allow him to lead you wherever he desires (Prov. 3:6-8). Smile in hope, knowing all he has prepared for you (John 14:1-4).
Read Scripture to grow your trust in God, noticing his track record of love, power, and wisdom. Learn to pray with confidence by praying the psalms, holding onto the Lord "my rock," "my fortress," and "my salvation" (2 Sam. 22:2). Even in difficult times, let's echo the confidence of three faithful men long ago who said, "... our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up" (Dan. 3:17-18).
Through the Week
- Read (Mon) — John 14:1-4; Heb. 13:5-6; Jer. 29:11-14; Prov. 3:1-8; 2 Sam. 7:27-29
- Reflect (Tue) — Who is God?
- Request (Wed) — "Oh Lord, I trust in you without fear. What can anyone do to me?" (Psalm 56:3-4)
- Respond (Thu) — List some problems you're unsure how to solve, and then sit in stillness, knowing that God is God.
- Reach Out (Fri) — When has God proven trustworthy in your life?
