TRUST
Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understandings; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your path. (Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV)
Many times in life we go through trials and we maybe wonder, God are you there? In John 16:33 Jesus tells us that we will have trials and tribulation, but to take heart because He has overcome the world. Let me also assure you, that our God, our Lord and Savior is with us in every moment. Psalm 139 explains to us that God knows our coming and going out, our lying down and getting up and so forth.
So in those difficult times, why doesn’t He feel close? Why does He seem quiet? I’ve heard before that the teacher is always quiet when giving a test. The book of James tells us, My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect, lacking nothing. Romans 5:3 (NKJV) tells us, And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance; and perseverance, character; and character, hope.
My brothers and sisters, the Lord is working on refining us. He is the potter and we are the clay. If our circumstances are always perfect, we will forget how much we truly need Jesus. We will become prideful. Pride comes before the fall. Instead, let us trust in the Lord with all our hearts. Let us acknowledge Him in all things so that He will direct our paths. But let us also do our due diligence to listen and obey. Faith without works is dead (James 2:26).
Remember, as a Christian, a follower of Christ, we are to live by Christ’s example. In Christ’s three years of ministry, what did we see?
· Compassion
· Love
· Forgiveness
· Mercy/Grace
· Righteous anger
· Reverence of Father God
· Obedience
· Faith
Hebrews 12:2-3 (NKJV) says, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.
I want to encourage us to look to Jesus. Doing things in our own strength will only wear us down and put us in a place of discouragement and lack of faith. When we look to Jesus, who has overcome the world (John 16:33) we know that we can do all things through Him because He strengthens us! (Phil. 4:13).
Do not give up my brothers and sisters! There is a far greater reward for you than this world has to offer! When you feel like God isn’t near, or that you aren’t hearing from Him, remember, He is there. The teacher is always quiet during a test. We walk by faith and not by sight. We walk by faith and not by feelings. Galatians 6:9 (NKJV), And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
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 path.
©2022 Leslie Wittenmyer—All rights reserved