Trust

 

For I tell you that Christ became a servant to the circumcised to show God’s truthfulness, in order to confirm the promises given to the patriarchs, and in order that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written, “Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles, and sing to your name.” And again it is said, “Rejoice, O Gentiles, with his people.” And again, “Praise the Lord, all you Gentiles, and let all the peoples extol him.” And again Isaiah says, “The root of Jesse will come, even he who arises to rule the Gentiles; in him will the Gentiles hope.” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope. (Romans 15:7-13 ESV).

 

I have always found incredible truth through an exploration of the comics. One of my favorites is Peanuts by Charles Schultz. The scene attached here is very familiar. Every fall Lucy entices Charlie Brown to try to kick the football while she snatches it away at the last moment causing his fall. You would think after the first few times he would learn not to trust her, but then he gives it another try only to fall again. I have also found this is a common theme in life’s journey. Just about the time we think life will allow us to “win” we are startled as we are falling through the air to a certain crash. Most of the time we point to “fate” as the Lucy in our lives, sometimes we blame God. Our trust in god then begins to erode.

 

Many Christians have heard the phrase “trust and obey.” But, if pressed, they’re better at explaining obedience than trust. Yet the two are deeply intertwined and interrelated. Why, for example, would we obey a God whom we didn’t trust? The big question is “What then does it mean to trust God?”

 

It’s really a matter of understanding the history of God at work in history as shown to us through the Scripture. In every instance God has proven to be a Father who loves and works all things for good. When we being there, it is so much easier to interpret our experiences and produce a growing, vibrant trust. I know that takes time. In fact, sometimes it takes a lifetime to see the ultimate production of good God is working in our lives. Trusting God means more than believing God exists. Trust celebrates the way God directs the affairs of this world, even when things seem out of control. Trusting God leads to a confident hope that he cares for us and that our ultimate security is in his hand. Trust Him… He has not failed others… He will not fail you.