Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. James 1:2-3
How well do you trust? Do you trust the people in your life – family, friends, co-workers, or God?? Do we really trust God? Do you trust God enough to let go of control in your life and let God have it?
What does trust mean? It means having confidence in someone to rely on the integrity, strength, ability, and surety of that person or thing. Do you have this in God? It’s ok if you don’t. I sometimes wonder how much I trust God. We may have the desire and pray about it to God of trusting Him, yet we question it all in the back of our heads. It’s like warfare going on in our heads.
In your wilderness season, can you relate to any of the following statements?
I see God as compassionate, helpful, and loving towards me.
I know that God loves me, but I often question whether He will give me the deepest desire of my heart.
I want to believe that God loves me, but many things have happened to make me feel otherwise.
I’m afraid that God will punish me for the mistakes I’ve made, so I don’t even expect God will want to bless me.
Read Exodus 16:1-5. How long did the Israelites wander in the wilderness? What were the people complaining about? H0w did God provide food for them?
When in the wilderness, God takes care of His children at all times, including hard times. Hard times are a natural consequence of our fallen and sinful world. However, God is powerful. He restores, redeems, provides, and empowers us to live through our circumstances. God’s faithfulness doesn’t depend on us. Let’s read Matthew 6:25-32. What are we not to worry about? How can we know that we can trust God? Why does Jesus say that only pagans (nonbelievers) worry about what they will eat and drink?
When we don’t trust God, this is when we take things into our own hands. How has this ever worked out for you? It usually makes the situation worse. What we need to know and believe is that God provides what we need for today. Read Matthew 6:34. What are some of the bad outcomes or fears about tomorrow that you should stop worrying about? have some of your efforts been spoiled in the form of strained relationships or weakened health from stress or high anxiety? Why does Jesus say that worry about tomorrow isn’t productive?
Read Exodus 16:32. Why does God ask Moses to collect a jar of manna? Do you do this? Do you make things as a reminder of what God has done for you in the hard times? The more you remember God’s promises and provision, the less afraid you will be in the wilderness. God is trustworthy!
Dear Heavenly Father,
I pray that each of us has a hard time trusting you, that we will learn to trust you and know that you are trustworthy.
In Jesus Name
Amen
