I started a book and workbook by Joyce Meyer called "Unshakeable Trust." I struggle in this area so studying on it seemed like a very good idea. I think we need to take our weak areas and make them one of our priorities in study and prayer so that we can overcome and grow through God's teaching and the help of the Holy Spirit. Remember, we are told that the Word of God is active and living...working in our hearts and lives God's will and purpose. Hebrews 4:12 For the word of God is alive and powerful. It is sharper than the sharpest two-edged sword, cutting between soul and spirit, between joint and marrow. It exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. It renews our mind, teaching us God's way. Romans 12:2 Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Anyway, back to what God's visit was I as started reading the book. Joyce was digging into the meaning of trust when she wrote, "If we cannot believe the person is good, just, kind, loving and trustworthy, then we cannot put our confidence in them."
Whoa. That stopped me. Now, I say I believe those things about God. I firmly believe in my mind those things are true. Right? Then why do I struggle when I don't get my way. When things do go as I plan, or as I think they should? Why do I accuse and complain? I know human emotions are fickle. And some days it feels easier to trust and believe than others...but shouldn't I move past that? Shouldn't faith in this God that I say is all those things surpass my immature, child like need to have my own way? Or is there still some part of me that believes, much like Eve in the garden, that God is holding out and holding back?
This was one of those questions that came into my mind and I didn't like this question let alone my honest answer. If you ask me do I believe those things of God, then my immediate answer would be yes. But if you looked at my behavior when I don't get what I want, or think I need, when I want it or think I need it, you would not see proof of that belief. You might see worry, or stubbornness, a bad attitude or even a little hissy fit now and again. Oh, sometimes I get it right...thank You Lord, but a lot of times....not so much. Or I have to go through the whole gauntlet of fit throwing to get to the point where I say, "Okay, Lord....Your way, not mine." It is not always my go to answer, and it should be.
So corrected I stand, and growing I go. I will believe these truths about my heavenly Father...He is good, just, and, loving and trustworthy. He has good plans for me, and for you. And when the emotions that rise up, and they surely will, that tell me my way is better, God is not good...I will bring them to the Lord, and ask Him to help me trust more because He is always and forever trustworthy. And His love never fails. Like the Dad in Mark 9:24 who came to Jesus asking for deliverance for his son, I will cry out: “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”
Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope.
Lord, I feel like we've been here so many times. I want to fully get past this flesh of mine that needs it's own way. I want to overcome any doubts I have about Your character and Your goodness in my life. Please forgive me for this doubt, not about my life, but about WHO You are. I want to honor You in my believing. I am so sorry. Lord, increase my faith. I want to see You glorified through my life. In Jesus Name, amen.
Sit with God and this question today. Maybe start your own study on trust, or another area of struggle for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment