Tag: Trust

Want God’s Help? Get Serious

James 1:2-8
“My brothers and sisters, consider it nothing but joy when you fall into all sorts of trials, because you know that the testing of your faith produces endurance. And let endurance have its perfect effect, so that you will be perfect and complete, not deficient in anything. But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him. But he must ask in faith without doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed around by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord, since he is a double-minded individual, unstable in all his ways.” (NET)

The idea of joy in trials may seem counterintuitive. When life feels heavy and confusing, joy is often the last emotion that comes naturally. Yet, James tells us to “consider it nothing but joy.” Why? Because trials test our faith, building endurance. And this endurance isn’t just about surviving—it’s about thriving, becoming “perfect and complete, not deficient in anything.” These moments refine us, shaping us into people who reflect God’s character.

But what happens when we don’t know how to navigate these challenges? James says we should ask God for wisdom—boldly and without hesitation. God isn’t stingy with His guidance, nor does He reprimand us for seeking Him. He delights in giving wisdom. The problem often lies on our end: we approach God half-heartedly, hedging our bets instead of trusting Him fully.

This brings to mind an experience from high school that taught me a hard but valuable lesson. I was failing my Chemistry 12 class—utterly lost and struggling. Desperate, I went to my teacher, Mr. Farrell, and asked if he could help me. Without mincing words, he looked me in the eye and said, “I don’t waste my time on students who don’t care.” I felt crushed. But I also knew he was right—I hadn’t been putting in the effort.

The next day, I went back and asked what it would take to show him I cared. He mentioned after-school tutoring sessions he held every Tuesday and Thursday and told me to attend if I was serious. I went to every session for three weeks straight. After the sixth session, he said, “Okay, looks like you’re ready to put the work in. How can I help?” From that moment, he invested in my progress, and I went from a dismal 12% to a respectable 68% by the end of the semester.

The turning point wasn’t just about my grades—it was about my commitment. Once I showed I was serious, Mr. Farrell’s guidance became invaluable.

This is similar to our relationship with God. He is always willing and ready to help, but we must approach Him in faith, fully committed. Half-hearted attempts don’t yield the wisdom or strength we need. Faith, as James says, must be unwavering—rooted in trust that God will do what He promises.

So, how are you approaching God today? Are you hesitating, holding back, or doubting His goodness? Or are you seeking Him wholeheartedly, ready to follow wherever He leads? God doesn’t ask for perfection; He asks for faith—a trust that opens the door to His abundant provision.

Trials will come, but God’s wisdom and strength are more than enough to carry us through. Let’s commit fully to the process, trusting that He is making us “perfect and complete, not deficient in anything.”

Assurance in Uncertainty

Paul’s journey to Rome, as described in Acts 27, is a masterclass in trusting God amidst uncertainty. Back in Acts 23:11, an angel assured Paul that he would testify in Rome. Yet the path to that fulfillment was anything but straightforward. Storms, shipwrecks, and imprisonment were part of the journey—none of which seemed to align with the idea of divine favor. Yet through it all, Paul remained steadfast, trusting in God’s promise even when the circumstances seemed to contradict it.

How often do we find ourselves doubting God when the road gets tough? We might believe in His promises, but when delays or detours arise, we start questioning whether we heard Him correctly. Paul’s story reminds us of an important truth: God fulfills His promises, but often in ways that defy our expectations.

Imagine Paul aboard the storm-battered ship, reassuring the terrified crew that no one would perish because God had promised his arrival in Rome. That’s faith in action—not in the absence of danger, but in the presence of God’s assurance. Paul wasn’t spared the storm, but he was sustained through it.

This kind of faith invites us to trust God’s character more than our circumstances. His promises are not bound by the limitations of our understanding. When we face uncertainty, we can rest in the truth that God is always working for our good, even when we can’t see it.

Paul’s confidence also teaches us to focus on faithfulness in the present moment. He didn’t let the chaos of the storm distract him from his mission or erode his trust in God. Similarly, we are called to remain faithful in the “storms” of life, even when the outcome feels unclear.

What storms are you facing right now? Are you tempted to doubt God’s promises because the journey doesn’t look like you expected? Trust that His timing is perfect and that His ways are higher than ours. Let Paul’s example encourage you to hold onto God’s assurance, even when uncertainty abounds.

“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” (1 Thessalonians 5:24, NET)

Embracing Contentment: When God Says No

Paul’s thorn in the flesh, as described in 2 Corinthians 12:7-10, is a powerful reminder that God’s answers to prayer aren’t always what we want, but they are always what we need. Paul begged God three times to remove his thorn, but instead of removing it, God offered a profound assurance: “My grace is enough for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” This wasn’t the answer Paul sought, but it was the one he needed to embrace contentment despite his circumstances.

How often do we find ourselves pleading for God to change our situation? Whether it’s a physical ailment, a relational wound, or a persistent obstacle, we want relief, solutions, and comfort. Yet, like Paul, we might hear “no” from God—not because He doesn’t care, but because His grace is shaping us into something greater. It’s in those moments of denial that we discover the richness of His presence and the depth of His sustaining power.

Contentment doesn’t come from having an easy life but from trusting a sovereign God. Paul could say, “I am content with weaknesses, with insults, with troubles, with persecutions and difficulties for the sake of Christ” because he understood that every “no” carried a greater purpose: “For whenever I am weak, then I am strong.” God’s power shines through our limitations, showing that our worth isn’t tied to self-sufficiency but to His all-sufficient grace.

When we embrace contentment, we’re choosing to rest in God’s plan rather than wrestle with it. We may not understand why the thorn remains, but we can trust that He is using it for His glory and our ultimate good. True peace comes not from the absence of struggle but from the presence of Christ in the struggle. His grace sustains us, and His power transforms our weakness into a testimony of His faithfulness.

What are you facing today that feels insurmountable? Have you brought it to God in prayer? If His answer is “no,” can you trust Him to provide the strength you need to endure? Contentment isn’t passive resignation; it’s active faith in the One who knows what’s best for us.

In a world that tells us to fight for comfort and control, Paul’s example invites us to a different way: to boast in our weaknesses and to find joy in God’s strength. When God says no, it’s not a rejection but an invitation—to trust deeper, to lean harder, and to experience His grace more fully than we ever thought possible.

The Limits of Human Expectation

The story of Peter’s miraculous release from prison in Acts 12 challenges the boundaries of what we believe God can do. Here we see Peter, imprisoned and facing death, suddenly freed by an angel. Yet, even as he walks out past guards and through iron gates, he assumes this must be a vivid dream rather than reality. It wasn’t until he found himself fully outside, alone and unchained, that he understood God had actually delivered him.

Peter’s initial disbelief highlights a truth we all face: our human expectations often limit our faith in God’s power. Even though Peter had witnessed Jesus’ miracles, he was unprepared for a supernatural deliverance in this context. His response invites us to examine how we might overlook or dismiss God’s work simply because it seems unbelievable.

1. God’s Works Often Exceed Our Expectations

In times of hardship, our minds may naturally shift to practical solutions, forgetting that God’s ways transcend the natural world. Peter’s experience reminds us that God is not confined by the limits of what seems possible. God’s power isn’t bound by prison walls, chains, or guards. When we place limits on what we believe God can do, we inadvertently put boundaries on our faith.

2. Trusting the Unexpected Path

Though Peter didn’t immediately grasp what was happening, he followed the angel’s guidance step-by-step. Each moment required trust as he moved into the unknown. Like Peter, we are sometimes called to walk forward in faith, trusting God’s direction even when we don’t understand the outcome. God’s path may look confusing or surprising, yet each step is an invitation to trust in His wisdom over our own understanding.

3. Recognizing God’s Hand in Surprising Circumstances

The incredible can seem unreal. When God works in ways that surpass our imagination, we may feel like it’s “too good to be true.” This story encourages us to open our eyes to God’s movements, even when they challenge our expectations. Sometimes, God’s work feels surreal because it doesn’t align with our limited view. When we learn to recognize God in the unexpected, our faith deepens, allowing us to see His hand at work in ways we might have otherwise missed.

4. Taking Comfort in God’s Extraordinary Plans

Peter’s disbelief doesn’t reflect doubt in God, but rather awe in the unexpected. This response shows that astonishment is a natural reaction to God’s grace. It’s comforting to know that God’s love often defies logic and reason. He’s not constrained by human limits but works freely to bring about His purposes, often in ways that surprise us. We are invited to embrace the wonder, allowing the mystery of God’s work to deepen our trust in His boundless power.

Peter’s story teaches us that faith isn’t about understanding everything God does but about believing in a God who surpasses our expectations. When life seems too daunting, and solutions seem too far-fetched, God invites us to broaden our faith, trusting that His power and presence reach beyond the limits of our imagination.

Not All the Answers

At the beginning of Acts, Jesus’ disciples ask Him, “Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel?” (Acts 1:6). In their minds, this was the right question. After all, they had walked with Jesus through His ministry, His death, and His resurrection, and the natural next step seemed to be the re-establishment of God’s kingdom. But Jesus, instead of providing a direct answer, redirects their focus. “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority,” He replies, “but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:7-8).

The disciples’ question highlights our common desire for clarity and control. Like them, we often want answers about God’s timeline or specifics of His plan. But Jesus reminds us that some things simply aren’t for us to know. Instead of giving a detailed roadmap, He offers us something better: the Holy Spirit’s guidance and empowerment.

In our own lives, the Holy Spirit continues to guide us through uncertainties. God knows that we, like the disciples, will not always have all the answers, and He encourages us to lean into His presence rather than our understanding. The Spirit’s role is not just to give us information but to transform us into people of faith and trust. As we surrender our need for control, we can grow in faith that God, who holds all knowledge and power, is directing our path.

God asks us to trust Him even when we don’t have all the answers. As Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight.” Our focus is not meant to be on securing every answer, but on becoming more responsive to the Spirit, following Him as He leads us forward with wisdom, patience, and courage.

Humble, Not Hero

In Luke 22, Peter boldly declares that he’s ready to go to prison and even die for Jesus. It’s a passionate commitment, one that shows his desire to be faithful no matter what. But Jesus, in His wisdom, responds with words that pierce through Peter’s confidence: “I tell you, Peter, before the rooster crows today, you will deny three times that you know me.” Peter is certain of his loyalty, yet Jesus knows what’s coming.

How often do we, in a burst of conviction, declare all we will do for God? Like Peter, we can find ourselves wrapped up in a fervor that makes us feel invincible. Yet, there’s a powerful truth here: God doesn’t need our grand statements of loyalty; He wants our surrendered hearts. Instead of telling Him how much we’re willing to do, maybe we should be asking where He wants us to go, allowing Him to direct our steps.

In those moments when we’re tempted to make big promises to God, perhaps it’s more humble and honoring to pause, listen, and ask Him to use us however He sees fit. This doesn’t mean avoiding bold steps of faith. It simply means approaching our relationship with God from a posture of humility, acknowledging that He knows our limits and, just as He did for Peter, offers grace when we fall short.

Jesus intercedes for us, even now, knowing our frailties and loving us through them. He calls us not to be heroes in our own strength but to be faithful followers, trusting that He will work through our willing hearts. When we let go of the need to prove our devotion and embrace a quiet openness to God’s leading, we’re finally in a position to let His strength shine in our weakness.

Clean, But Not Clean Enough

In John 13, Jesus took a basin and towel to wash the disciples’ feet, a humbling act of service that challenged their understanding of cleanliness and purity. When Peter hesitated, Jesus gently reminded him that, while he was already “clean,” his feet still needed washing. Jesus wasn’t just talking about physical cleanliness—He was highlighting a truth about our walk of faith.

We’ve been made clean by Jesus’ sacrifice, accepted into His family, and freed from the power of sin. But like Peter and the disciples, we still walk through a world filled with brokenness, and inevitably, some of that dust clings to us. We may not need a full cleansing again, but we do need to keep coming to Jesus to have our feet washed. This humility of daily “cleansing” reminds us that our need for Jesus never goes away.

While we aim to live lives that honor God, we’re reminded that our strength doesn’t come from our own perfection. Instead, it comes from returning again and again to the One who washes us. He renews us, helping us release whatever shame, bitterness, or pride we may pick up as we move through life. Jesus’ love and grace restore us, grounding us in a peace that surpasses understanding.

So, as we walk forward today, let’s remember this beautiful invitation to come back to Jesus, knowing He is faithful to cleanse us. We’re already made new, yet in our ongoing journey, we need His touch each day. May we walk humbly, seeking His grace, and trusting that He never grows tired of washing our feet.

Nothing Wasted: Trusting God’s Purpose

It’s a bold statement when Jesus says, “The Lord needs it.” Just before His triumphal entry into Jerusalem, He asks His disciples to bring Him a colt. No lengthy explanations, no assurances for the colt’s owner — simply, “The Lord needs it.” To the owner, this colt may have been valuable or essential for work, but Jesus’ words demand a higher purpose for it. When something is needed for God’s purposes, no matter how mundane or precious, it’s never wasted.

Similarly, earlier in the Gospel accounts, we see Mary pouring costly perfume over Jesus’ head, a luxury that shocks the disciples as a “waste.” But Jesus defends her, framing her act as one of deep worship. “She has done a beautiful thing to me,” He says, indicating that her extravagant offering has profound meaning in God’s unfolding plan.

Our own lives often mirror these moments. We may be called to release what we value or find security in — our time, finances, talents — without clear assurances. Yet, when the Lord needs it, the act itself becomes sacred, filling it with purpose beyond our understanding. Just as Mary’s act became a testimony of love and faith, our sacrificial acts echo through God’s Kingdom in ways we may never fully see.

Trusting God’s purpose with our resources isn’t just about giving up; it’s about giving in to a greater story. Each offering, big or small, plays a role in something eternal. So when we’re prompted to step out in faith, remembering that “the Lord needs it” brings us into alignment with a purpose where, truly, nothing is wasted.

What Is Jesus Worth To You?

When Jesus told the rich man to sell all he had and give it to the poor, He wasn’t just making a statement about wealth; He was getting to the heart of what really matters to us. Jesus, in His unique way, challenged the rich man—and all of us—to think deeply about what we value most. Is there anything that, if Jesus asked, we would hesitate to give up? For the rich man, his wealth was more than just possessions; it was his security, identity, and comfort. When asked to let it go, he walked away saddened, revealing just how attached he was to something that would eventually fade.

This story doesn’t necessarily mean that every Christian must give away all they own, but it does reveal that we’re each called to hold everything we have with open hands. The point isn’t that Jesus is set on taking everything from us; it’s that He wants us to be willing to place everything in His hands. That includes our wealth, but it extends to our ambitions, our relationships, and even our plans for the future. It’s about who or what sits on the throne of our hearts.

Jesus’ question to the rich man is a question He extends to each of us: What is Jesus worth to you? Is He worth more than your possessions, dreams, or even comfort? True discipleship isn’t about poverty or self-denial for its own sake, but about aligning our hearts with what will truly last. When we recognize that Jesus is our highest treasure, we find that nothing else compares.

Evidence & Excuses

Ever notice how, for some people, there’s never “enough” evidence for God? You could show them miracles, point to transformed lives, or share fulfilled prophecies—but they still hesitate. In Luke 16, Jesus confronts this mindset in the story of the rich man and Lazarus. We meet a man who waited too long. From his place of torment, he begs for someone to warn his brothers, hoping to give them “enough” evidence to believe. But Jesus’ response is stark: “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them” (Luke 16:29). In other words, the truth is already in front of them if they’re willing to see it.

Jesus’ words reveal something crucial about faith: it isn’t a scavenger hunt for irrefutable proof but a journey of seeking, trusting, and responding to the evidence already present. Often, what we’re really looking for isn’t more evidence but the courage to act on what we know. Like in Matthew 13, Jesus explained that His parables were meant to be understood by those willing to seek—those with open hearts and searching minds.

Our desire for “more proof” can sometimes be a guise for something deeper: a desire to stay in control. A demand for unending evidence often masks our reluctance to submit our lives to a holy God. We may say we want to believe, but often we’re more comfortable holding onto the illusion of self-determination. Admitting that God’s way is true means surrendering to His authority—a step that can feel like losing our grip on our own destiny.

The rich man’s plea for “more” shows us that delaying faith can lead to missing out on the real opportunity to believe—right here, right now. Romans 1 reminds us that God’s nature is evident in creation, and Hebrews 11:6 tells us that “without faith, it is impossible to please God.” Faith begins where control ends, and sometimes our quest for “more proof” only keeps us from seeing the truth that’s already evident.

In our hearts, the question isn’t whether there’s enough evidence. It’s whether we’re willing to act on it—and willing to yield. Today, ask yourself: am I holding back because I truly need more proof, or am I reluctant to give up my own way? God has shown us enough to trust Him. Now, we must decide whether we will.