Tag: Trusting God

When to Say No to the King: Drawing the Line with Faithful Defiance

By faith, Moses’ parents hid him for three months, defying Pharaoh’s decree to kill Hebrew baby boys. They were unafraid of the king’s edict because they recognized a higher authority: God Himself (Hebrews 11:23). This act of defiance wasn’t reckless rebellion but a profound display of faith and discernment. It prompts us to ask: When is it right to disobey authority for the sake of obedience to God?

The Bible presents a clear tension. On the one hand, we’re instructed to respect governing authorities as established by God (Romans 13:1-7) and to render to Caesar what is Caesar’s (Matthew 22:21). On the other, examples like Moses’ parents, Daniel in the lion’s den, and Peter and John before the Sanhedrin show that there are times when defiance is not just permissible but necessary. How do we navigate this?

The key lies in understanding the nature of authority and the ultimate sovereignty of God. All human authority is derivative, meaning it operates within boundaries set by God. When earthly authorities contradict God’s clear commands, their legitimacy to enforce obedience is forfeited. For Moses’ parents, the king’s edict required them to participate in the murder of innocent children—something directly opposed to God’s character and law. For Peter and John, being forbidden to preach the Gospel was a direct contradiction of Jesus’ commission.

But how do we apply this in our modern lives? First, we must ground ourselves in Scripture. God’s Word must be the foundation for discerning right from wrong, truth from error. We can’t rely on feelings or cultural trends but must seek clarity from what God has revealed. Second, we must examine the situation carefully. Is this a matter of preference or principle? Are we being asked to sin, or are we simply uncomfortable with the authority’s request?

Third, we must act with humility and courage. Defying authority for God’s sake doesn’t mean being abrasive or self-righteous. Even as Daniel refused to stop praying, he maintained respect toward the king. When Peter and John declared, “We must obey God rather than men,” they did so with boldness but not arrogance. Faithful defiance is not about rebellion for its own sake but about fidelity to God above all.

For us, this might look like standing firm in our convictions when pressured to compromise at work, in school, or in relationships. It might mean speaking truth in a culture that values comfort over confrontation. It could even mean defying laws that contradict God’s justice or moral law.

The challenge is to do so wisely and prayerfully. Are we motivated by a desire to honor God or to make a point? Are we acting out of faith or fear? Faithful defiance requires us to trust God’s sovereignty and His ability to work through our obedience, even when the cost is high.

Moses’ parents remind us that faith sometimes calls us to say “no” to the king. But that “no” is always rooted in a deeper “yes” to God. When the moment comes to choose, may we have the discernment to know the difference and the courage to stand firm.

When Faith Isn’t Enough

There’s a popular verse that says faith the size of a mustard seed can move mountains (Matthew 17:20). So what happens when someone prays in faith—believing with all their heart for a miracle—only to find that their mountain doesn’t move? What do we say to the person who truly believes for healing, only to lose a loved one to cancer, or to watch their own health fail? When the Bible says “the prayer of a righteous person avails much” (James 5:16), how do we reconcile that with unanswered prayer?

For many Christians, these are heart-wrenching moments of crisis. Faith feels like it’s failed, but the reality is far more complex. Prayer, faith, and God’s purposes are not transactional but relational. And just because a specific answer doesn’t come doesn’t mean faith is irrelevant—it just means God’s plan is greater.

Jesus Himself dealt with this tension. In the Garden of Gethsemane, He prayed for the cup of suffering to be taken from Him (Matthew 26:39), but He also prayed for the Father’s will to be done above all. This shows us that faith is not about manipulating outcomes to fit our desires, but about trusting God’s greater will, even when it contradicts our hopes.

The crux of the issue is understanding that faith isn’t a guarantee for our specific desires but trust in God’s perfect plan. A Molinist perspective sees God’s sovereignty and human free will in harmony. God, in His infinite wisdom, knows all possible outcomes. He sees not just our immediate suffering but the eternal good that He is working through it. When we pray in faith, we are invited to participate in God’s will—not to command it.

Jesus performed countless miracles during His earthly ministry, but even He did not heal everyone or remove every obstacle His followers faced. The Apostle Paul pleaded three times for God to remove a thorn in his flesh, and God’s answer was “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). Faith isn’t about always getting what we ask for—it’s about receiving God’s grace in all situations, trusting that His will is good.

So what do we say to the person whose prayer seems unanswered? We remind them that God’s will is ultimately for our eternal good, and that His plans reach far beyond what we can see or understand. The promise of the Gospel is not a comfortable, pain-free life, but the hope of eternal glory (Romans 8:18). In the meantime, God often uses suffering to deepen our faith, grow our character, and reveal His strength in our weakness.

Does faith play a determinative role in prayer? Yes, but only in concert with God’s will. Even the smallest faith is effective, not because of the size of our faith, but because of the size of our God. The mountains in our lives may not always move the way we expect, but the God who made the mountains is always with us.

Faith, ultimately, is trust—trust that God is good, even when the outcome is not what we hoped for. And in the end, for the Christian, death itself is not defeat but the final victory. Physical healing may not always come, but ultimate healing—eternal life with God—awaits all who trust in Him. Faith isn’t just for this life; it’s for the life to come.

Crushing Anxiety: Jesus’ Challenge to a Control-Obsessed Culture

Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:34 to “not worry about tomorrow” may seem nearly impossible to apply in today’s fast-paced, future-oriented culture. The demands of work, family, finances, and even church life often leave us anxious about what lies ahead. But this command speaks just as powerfully now as it did to His original audience. In their day, many struggled to meet daily needs, and the future brought uncertainty. Yet Jesus called them, and us, to trust in God’s provision for every day rather than letting tomorrow’s worries rob us of today’s peace.

The anxiety that many of us carry is often a symptom of a deeper issue: our desire for control. We plan meticulously, hoping to safeguard against uncertainty, but when the unexpected happens, the illusion of control crumbles. Jesus’ instruction is a reminder that no matter how well we plan, we can never truly control tomorrow. Instead, He invites us to rest in the knowledge that God holds both today and tomorrow in His hands. It’s not a call to irresponsibility or carelessness but to faith that relinquishes the need to micromanage every outcome.

Jesus provides the antidote to this anxious striving by pointing us toward the care of the Father. He paints a vivid picture of God’s provision in the natural world, how He feeds the birds and clothes the lilies (Matthew 6:26-30), and asks us to trust that we are worth even more to Him. This trust allows us to focus on the present, embracing the moments we are given without being paralyzed by fears of what the future might hold.

This lesson challenges us deeply. In a culture driven by calendars, clocks, and deadlines, Jesus offers a counter-cultural way of living. Instead of obsessing over the uncertainties of tomorrow, we are invited to live each day fully, leaning on God’s grace and provision. Planning is not the problem; it’s when our plans turn into anxieties that we step away from trust. Jesus knew what it was like to be surrounded by demands, yet He continually withdrew to be with the Father, refusing to let the world dictate His peace.

This call to trust extends beyond simply easing our own anxiety; it shapes how we serve others. When we aren’t consumed with worry about the future, we are freed to love, serve, and give more generously in the present. Our confidence in God’s provision becomes a testimony to those around us, pointing to a hope that transcends human concerns.

Jesus’ teaching challenges us to let go of our attempts to control the future and place our trust in God. Each day has its own troubles, but it also has its own grace. As we learn to rest in that grace, we reflect a deeper faith that trusts God for tomorrow—because He’s already there.

When Jesus Calls

In the Gospels, we see a remarkable moment when Jesus calls His first disciples. While they were going about their everyday lives—fishing by the shore, mending their nets—Jesus walks up and simply says, “Follow me.” And just like that, they drop everything and follow Him. What’s most surprising is the immediacy of their response. They didn’t hesitate, ask for time to think about it, or even inquire about what this journey would look like. They left their nets, their boats, their livelihoods, and followed Him instantly.

We find this story in multiple Gospel accounts. In Matthew 4:18-22, we see Simon Peter and Andrew being called, followed by James and John. Luke 5:1-11 gives more detail about the miraculous catch of fish, which serves as a sign of Jesus’ power. In Mark 1:16-20, the simplicity of Jesus’ call is emphasized once more—there’s no fanfare, no big promises, just a command to follow. And they obey.

There’s something about Jesus’ call that cuts through the noise of everyday life and demands a response. The disciples might not have known the full scope of what they were getting into, but they knew this: Jesus was worth following. His call offered something more meaningful than their fishing nets, and they couldn’t ignore it.

What can we learn from this? Often, we can become so caught up in our daily routines, our plans, and our careers that when Jesus calls us to something new, we hesitate. We might ask ourselves, “What if I’m not ready?” or “What will this mean for my current plans?” But the disciples teach us that when Jesus calls, the only right response is to follow—without delay, without conditions.

Jesus’ call doesn’t always lead us away from our jobs or families, but it does lead us away from a life where we are in control. To follow Jesus means giving up the idea that we have everything figured out and trusting that His path is better, even — perhaps especially — when we can’t see where it leads. When the disciples left their nets, they didn’t know that they were stepping into a world-changing mission, that they would witness miracles, or that they would eventually become the leaders of the early church. They just knew that Jesus was calling, and that was enough.

For us today, the call of Jesus might look different—it could be a nudge toward a new direction in life, a call to serve in your church or community, or a challenge to step out of your comfort zone. Whatever it is, we are invited to respond like the disciples—immediately and wholeheartedly. Jesus still calls us today, and He calls us into a life filled with purpose and adventure. But we won’t discover that if we hold onto our “nets” and insist on staying in control.

What is Jesus calling you to today? Will you drop everything to follow Him?

God of the Gaps

In John 2, we find the account of Jesus’ first miracle: turning water into wine at a wedding feast. It’s a familiar story, but there’s a powerful lesson tucked into the dialogue between Jesus and His mother, Mary. When the wine ran out, a potentially embarrassing situation for the hosts, Mary simply brought the need to Jesus: “They have no more wine” (John 2:3).

At first, Jesus’ response might seem like a refusal: “My hour has not yet come” (John 2:4). But Mary doesn’t push or try to argue. Instead, she turns to the servants and says, “Do whatever He tells you” (John 2:5). In that moment, Mary demonstrates a profound kind of faith: the kind that brings a need to God and leaves the solution in His hands. She didn’t know exactly what Jesus would do, but she trusted that He would act in the best way.

There’s a powerful lesson here for us today. How often do we face situations where we don’t know what to do or how things will work out? Maybe it’s a financial strain, a family conflict, or a decision that leaves us feeling lost. We can feel like we’ve run out of resources or options, just like the wedding hosts had run out of wine. But this story reminds us that we don’t need to have all the answers. Our job is simply to bring our needs to Jesus and trust Him to fill the gaps in ways we may not expect.

Jesus didn’t just fix the problem; He transformed it. The water He turned into wine wasn’t just any wine — it was the best wine of the feast, far exceeding what anyone had provided. When we trust God to handle the things we can’t, He often works in ways that surpass what we could have imagined.

Sometimes, like Mary, our faith doesn’t need to be flashy or dramatic. It can be as simple as bringing our concerns to God and then stepping back, knowing He will work in His timing and in His way. We don’t need to try to control the outcome, but we can trust that He is faithful to respond.

So, when we face situations where we feel uncertain or overwhelmed, may we follow Mary’s example: bring the need to Jesus, then trust Him to do what only He can do.

Unstoppable: Turning Opposition into Victory

In Ezra 5-6, we witness an incredible story of persistence, faith, and divine intervention. The Israelites, in the midst of rebuilding the temple, are confronted by local authorities who question their right to continue the work. These officials demand proof of authorization, but instead of ceasing their efforts, the Israelites keep building. They work through the uncertainty, trusting that God would provide a way forward.

When the local authorities send a letter to King Darius to confirm the Israelites’ claims, they likely expected the work to be shut down. But instead of halting the project, God turns the situation completely around. Not only does King Darius affirm that the Israelites have the right to continue, but he also commands that their opponents provide financial and material support to ensure the temple is completed. The very people who sought to stop the work were now required to assist it.

This powerful account shows us that when God commissions something, no opposition can stop it. The Israelites faced a daunting challenge—one that could have easily discouraged them or caused them to give up. But they didn’t stop. They continued building while awaiting the king’s response. And because of their faith and persistence, God intervened in a way they couldn’t have imagined, using their enemies to accomplish His purposes.

This story is a reminder to us that when God calls us to a task, He will provide the means to see it through. Even when we face opposition, whether from people, circumstances, or spiritual forces, God is both our protector and provider. He makes a way where there seems to be none and can turn the very obstacles we face into tools for His glory.

For us today, this means that no matter how overwhelming or difficult the task at hand may seem, if it’s God’s will, it cannot fail. There may be times when we face opposition or feel like giving up, but just like the Israelites, we can continue pressing forward in faith. God’s plans will always prevail. The resources, strength, and support we need will come, often from unexpected places. Even those who seek to stop us may end up contributing to the success of God’s work.

So, keep trusting in God’s provision. Just as He did for the Israelites, He will make a way for you, even when opposition rises. He will equip you to fulfill the calling He’s placed on your life, and nothing can stand in the way of His purposes. In moments of uncertainty or challenge, remember that God’s plan is unstoppable, and He is faithful to provide everything you need to succeed.

Ignoring God’s Warnings? Why Defiance Leads to Disaster

In Jeremiah 44:16-17, the people of Judah blatantly refuse to listen to the prophet’s warnings. They declare their intention to continue worshiping the “Queen of Heaven,” a pagan deity, despite knowing the consequences of their idolatry. This brazen attitude—choosing their own way over God’s commands—is strikingly similar to what we see in modern times. People often reject God’s Word, preferring to follow their desires or the cultural norms that make them feel more comfortable.

Similarly, in Ezekiel 33:21-33, we see another tragic example of misplaced trust. After hearing of Jerusalem’s fall, the people still do not repent. Instead, they continue to seek security in all the wrong places, including aligning themselves with enemies of God. The idea of trying to hide from God’s judgment in the arms of His enemies is tragically laughable, yet it reflects a deep spiritual blindness.

Fast forward to today, and the same attitudes persist. How often do people refuse to accept Biblical truths, choosing instead to live according to their own desires or societal trends? This is evident in countless ways—whether it’s justifying sin, ignoring God’s commands, or reshaping Christianity to fit modern sensibilities. The refusal to listen to God’s Word is as dangerous now as it was then, leading to spiritual ruin.

Moreover, just as the people of Judah sought refuge in the arms of God’s enemies, many today seek comfort or security in places that are directly opposed to God’s will. It might be in harmful relationships, unethical practices, or ideologies that stand in stark contrast to Biblical principles. This attempt to find safety or fulfillment outside of God’s will is as futile and destructive now as it was for the Israelites.

The lessons from Jeremiah and Ezekiel are clear: Rejecting God’s Word and seeking refuge in the wrong places lead only to disaster. The folly of trying to hide from God in the arms of His enemies is a timeless warning. As believers, we must remain steadfast in our commitment to God, listening to His Word and finding our security in Him alone.

Defeat as Discipline

In today’s readings, we encounter a challenging truth: not every obstacle or hardship is meant to be overcome. Sometimes, the “bad things” that happen to us are actually God’s way of protecting or disciplining us.

Ezekiel 3:20 (NLT) presents a sobering warning: “If righteous people turn away from their righteous behavior and ignore the obstacles I put in their way, they will die. And if you do not warn them, they will die in their sins. None of their righteous acts will be remembered, and I will hold you responsible for their deaths.” Here, God emphasizes that even the righteous are not exempt from discipline. If they turn away from their righteousness, God may place obstacles in their path, not to be overcome, but as a form of discipline.

In Jeremiah 28, the false prophet Hananiah tells the people of Judah that God will break the yoke of Babylon and free them within two years. However, Jeremiah counters this by saying that their captivity is God’s will and must be endured. Hananiah’s false prophecy leads to his death, underscoring the severity of trying to escape or misrepresent God’s discipline.

These passages remind us that not every challenge is meant to be overcome. Sometimes, what we perceive as obstacles are actually God’s protective hand or corrective discipline at work. When we try to “escape” these challenges, we might miss the lesson or the protection God intends for us.

Rather than rushing to overcome every difficulty, we need to ask ourselves: Is this obstacle God’s way of protecting me? Is this hardship His discipline? Trusting in God’s plan, even when it involves discomfort, can lead to greater growth and alignment with His will.

The Power & Purpose of Prayer

The satirical words of Lisa Simpson, “Prayer, the last refuge of a scoundrel,” reflect a common cultural perception: that prayer is a desperate act, a last-ditch effort when all else fails. While this may be true for some, it stands in stark contrast to the biblical understanding of prayer as the believer’s first and most powerful resource.

In today’s reading, we see a profound example of the power and purpose of prayer through the actions of King Hezekiah. Faced with the overwhelming threat of the Assyrian king Sennacherib, who had already conquered much of Judah, Hezekiah’s first response was not to panic or seek human allies but to turn to God in prayer.

When Hezekiah received the threatening letter from Sennacherib, he went up to the temple of the Lord, spread it out before God, and prayed:

“And Hezekiah prayed to the Lord: ‘Lord, the God of Israel, enthroned between the cherubim, you alone are God over all the kingdoms of the earth. You have made heaven and earth. Give ear, Lord, and hear; open your eyes, Lord, and see; listen to the words Sennacherib has sent to ridicule the living God. It is true, Lord, that the Assyrian kings have laid waste these nations and their lands. They have thrown their gods into the fire and destroyed them, for they were not gods but only wood and stone, fashioned by human hands. Now, Lord our God, deliver us from his hand, so that all the kingdoms of the earth may know that you alone, Lord, are God.’” (2 Kings 19:15-19, NIV)

Hezekiah’s prayer was an acknowledgment of God’s sovereignty and a plea for deliverance. Unlike the perspective that sees prayer as a last resort, Hezekiah demonstrated that prayer should be our first response. His prayer was not only answered, but it also led to a miraculous deliverance. That night, the angel of the Lord struck down 185,000 Assyrian soldiers, leading to Sennacherib’s retreat (2 Kings 19:35-36).

Prayer is not just about asking for help; it’s about aligning ourselves with God’s will and acknowledging His authority over every situation. Hezekiah’s prayer reflected his trust in God’s power and his desire for God’s glory to be known among the nations. This is the essence of true prayer: it shifts our focus from our problems to God’s power and purpose.

In today’s world, many see prayer as a fallback when all other options are exhausted. However, as believers, we are called to see prayer as our primary means of communication with God, our first step in any situation. Philippians 4:6-7 encourages us, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Consider your own life. When faced with challenges, is prayer your first response or your last resort? Reflect on how you can make prayer a foundational part of your daily routine, seeking God’s guidance and strength in every situation.

Are Your Plans Aligned with God’s Will?

As I read Isaiah 30:1-5 this morning, I was struck by the gravity of making plans without consulting God. The passage vividly describes such actions as sinful and rebellious. In these verses, the Israelites sought alliances with Egypt instead of seeking God’s guidance. This decision, made without divine consultation, led to their downfall.

The concept here is clear: when we exclude God from our decision-making process, we are essentially fighting against His will. This rebellion is not merely a mistake but a sin that compounds other sins, leading us further away from His path.

To fully grasp the weight of this message, it helps to understand the historical context. The Israelites, facing the threat of Assyrian invasion, sought the powerful nation of Egypt for protection. This seemed a logical and strategic move from a worldly perspective. However, it was a direct contradiction of God’s command to rely solely on Him for deliverance and guidance.

How often do we find ourselves making plans and forming alliances based on our understanding and wisdom without first seeking God’s counsel? Whether it’s career decisions, relationships, or daily choices, the temptation to lean on our own understanding is strong. Yet, Proverbs 3:5-6 reminds us, “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.”

When we take matters into our own hands, we not only risk failure but also miss the opportunity to experience God’s best for us. His plans are always superior to ours, filled with purpose and aligned with His perfect will. By seeking His guidance, we align ourselves with His divine plan, ensuring that our steps are ordered and blessed.

Take a moment today to reflect on areas of your life where you might be making decisions without consulting God. Are you relying on your own understanding, or are you seeking His wisdom and guidance? Commit to bringing every plan before Him in prayer, asking for His direction and trusting in His perfect will.