Letting God Work in Our Lives (2) Trusting God

God does work – influence - through His grace, word, brethren, our actions and prayer At times we struggle with our faith. We know we ought to trust Him, but we face trials, setbacks, disappointments, failures, anxiety, rejection, etc. Sometimes when others are hurting we say, “trust Him” – it can be hard to do Do we trust Him as we ought to?

Faith and Trusting God Understanding faith is important Crucial for obeying the gospel – Mark 16:16, John 8:24, Romans 10:9-10, 1 Peter 3:20-21 As Christians, we need faith – Romans 1:5, Luke 6:46 2 Peter 1:5, 1 John 5:4

Faith and Trusting God What is faith? Believing God with complete confidence and reliance “Firm persuasion” (Vine’s) Hebrews 11:1 Faith is the “sub-stance” of things hoped for (assurance) The evidence (conviction) of things not seen ( cf. 1 John 4:12 ) Faith is believing and trusting God

Faith and Trusting God What is trust? To firmly believe in something or someone. Complete confidence and reliance. When you get on an airplane there is trust… “Who will get in the wheelbarrow?”

Faith and Trusting God Trusting God – means we have complete confidence in Him and will rely upon Him always – in both the good times and the difficult times Hebrews 11:6 I have 100% confidence in Him, “I am all in”

Faith and Trusting God Worry is the antithesis of trusting God. A lack of faith/trust in Him While there are times for genuine concern, worry is anxiety and distress over a circumstance, usually out of your hands Matthew 6:25-34

Faith and Trusting God Most of us struggle with trusting God from time to time We do not doubt His existence or ability to help, but our confidence is weak as we face uncertainties and the unknown. We are hesitant to put it in His hands. We doubt ourselves! Mark 9:24, “Help my unbelief”

Faith and Trusting God Israel often failed to trust God Isaiah 30:1-2, they took counsel, but not in the Lord, turning to Egypt for strength Hosea 10:13, they trusted in their own way Romans 11:19-20 Hebrews 3:19

Trusting God is crucial Is there anything we can do to build up our trust in Him?

God is there with us Sometimes in our struggles we ask, “Where is God when I need Him?” We seek answers for our prayers - our way We face heavy burdens that we think we cannot handle We ask, “Why?”

God is there with us Biblical examples of struggle David – he often felt frustrated Psalm 22:1, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from helping me?” ( cf. Matt. 27:46 ) Yet consider, 22:19-21, “you have answered Me”

God is there with us Biblical examples of struggle Psalm 13:1-2, “How long O Lord? Will Your forget me forever? How long will You hide your face from me?... Yet consider, 13:5-6, “But I have trusted in Your mercy; My heart shall rejoice in Your salvation…”

God is there with us Biblical examples of struggle Psalm 10:1, “Why do You stand afar off, O L ORD ? Why do You hide in times of trouble?...” Yet consider, 10:14, “But You have seen, for You observe trouble and grief, to repay it by Your hand…Your are the helper”

God is there with us Biblical examples of struggle Job – faced great troubles, losing his possessions and much of his family in one day as Satan afflicted him. Then he lost his health Job 23:1-9, “Even today my complaint is bitter;…Oh, that I knew where I might find Him, that I might come to His seat…” Yet consider, Job 23:10, “But He knows the way I take…” Job 19:25, “For I know that my Redeemer lives…”

God is there with us Biblical examples of struggle Paul – faced many trials and at times felt alone 2 Tim. 4:16, “At my first defense no one stood with me, but all forsook me…” Yet consider, 2 Tim. 4:17, “But the Lord stood with me and strengthened me…”

God is there with us Biblical examples of struggle Even Jesus – apprehensive in the Garden, while on the cross… Mat. 27:46, “My God, my God, what have you forsaken Me?” Yet consider, Luke 23:46, “Into Your hands I commit My spirit”

God is there with us In ALL of these examples, we find times of FEELING despair and wondering about where God was. BUT, in each of them, they KNEW He is there! They trusted Him! They kept going Hebrews 11:1, Do we apply this “evidence” to our trust in God?

“I am with you” Matthew 28:20, “I am with you always” ( cf. John 14:18 ) Acts 18:10, “I am with you…I have many people in this city.” Paul in Corinth Genesis 26:24, the Lord to Isaac Genesis 28:15, to Jacob at Bethel Isaiah 43:5, “Fear not, for I am with you…” Jeremiah 1:8, “Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you…” 14 times in the Bible attributed to God!

“I am with you” Matthew 11:28-30, “Come to Me all you who labor and are heavy laden…” Matthew 6:30, 32-33, “Don’t worry”, God can take care of you.

“I am with you” Hebrews 13:5-6, “Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” So we may boldly say: “The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?””

“I am with you” 1 Peter 5:7, “casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” Psalm 34:17-18, “The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears, And delivers them out of all their troubles. The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.”

God’s presence is a blessing Christians enjoy When we struggle in this life, He IS there! May we use these thoughts as we press on

Do you trust Him?