We often criticise Peter's lack of faith; but how about the other Disciples? They did not trust Jesus at all did they?
When I worked for a large multi-national we often had "team-building" events. I hated them. On one occasion they asked us to stand on a box and lean back so that someone behind us would catch us from falling. I declined to take part. The man behind me was small and a weakling and I thought I'd flatten him if I fell on him. There's no way he would catch me. The organisers said I was no "team-player"; they decided I had leadership potential instead.
How about you? Would you have trusted someone to catch you?
When things go wrong in life, for you or for someone you love, do you trust God enough to take care of the situation? Or do you blame Him for things going wrong and not taking care of you?
I don't want to pontificate about this. I've had several things go really wrong in my life and at the time I focussed more on the bad thing than thinking about God. I just wanted to get through the event, whatever the outcome, rather than trust in God. Suddenly, He did not feature in my thinking. I forgot about Him.
Someone told me that when we're in real difficulties and we pray to God, it is not necessarily a sign of despair, but a testament to our faith. We pray because we believe there's Someone listening and we're not just talking to ourselves.
The thing is, do we pray with full confidence that He will answer our prayers, or do we doubt He will answer the way we would wish things to be.
Do we trust God totally - or with conditions?
It is no point having faith in a Master who walks on water if we do not trust Him enough to follow Him.
What candor, Victor! Thank you for sharing your own experience. I, too, probably wouldn't count on someone catching me -- either figuratively or literally.
ReplyDeleteI want to trust Him completely. Mark 9:24. Please!
When it comes down to it, how many people do we REALLY trust in life? And do we REALLY trust God more?
DeleteGod bless, Mevely.
I have been in those exercises as well. It is hard to trust - but it is not a choice - it is trusting or not trusting.
ReplyDeleteIn my case, the choice was not to trust him; he was small thin and weak.
DeleteGod bless, Sandie.
"when we're in real difficulties and we pray to God, it is not necessarily a sign of despair, but a testament to our faith. We pray because we believe there's Someone listening and we're not just talking to ourselves." Great words...
ReplyDeleteThank you so much, Shug. God bless you and yours.
DeleteIt takes time to develop trust that God will be there for us in every thing.
ReplyDeleteHow does He feel about that, Kathy?
DeleteGod bless.
Years ago, I did one of those trust exercises with a church group, believe it or not, Victor. Yes, we have to choose to trust God completely and without hesitation. He will always hear our prayers. Blessings!
ReplyDeleteOh I hated those "team-building" sessions, Martha. I often refused to take part. In one exercise they took us to a large pond/lake with an island in the middle. We had to get in a small boat and retrieve something from the island. I was leading my team and refused to take part. The organisers of the event took me aside for a chat. I insisted that I would not put my team in a position of danger with the boat collapsing; but they could volunteer if they wanted to. I guess I got bad marks in that exercise.
DeleteGod bless.
I think I've got the trust down pretty good, though there is always room for improvement. :)
ReplyDeleteAmen K.
DeleteGod bless.
Sometimes it's hard to stop and remember to pray in the middle of such a problem or trial. If I can make myself do that, it's such a help.
ReplyDeleteTrue, I forget too.
DeleteGod bless you, Mimi.