Trust Level

Trust Level

Genesis 31: ³³ And Laban went into Jacob’s tent, into Leah’s tent, and into the two maids’ tents, but he did not find them. Then he went out of Leah’s tent and entered Rachel’s tent. ³⁴ Now Rachel had taken the household idols, put them in the camel’s saddle, and sat on them. And Laban^] searched all about the tent but did not find them. ³⁵ And she said to her father, “Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise before you, for the manner of women is with me.” And he searched but did not find the household idols.

 

============

 

Jacob told Laban that he could kill the one who stole his household idols. Laban felt this was important, because he worshiped his ancestors instead of worshipping GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Laban trusted Jacob the least, so he searched his tent first.
• Laban may have felt Leah was influenced by Jacob because she had so many children by him.
• Laban trusted Rachel the most, probably because Jacob trusted her.

 

During the search, Laban came up empty. Rachel, whom he trusted the most, had stolen the idols and hid them on her camel’s saddle. She then lied to him about not getting off of the camel. Rachel believed in using mandrakes for fertility, idols for wishes and human ownership to acquire her children.

 

BUT GOD remembered Rachel. Earlier, HE listened to her desire to have children and enabled her to become pregnant with Joseph. GOD was with Rachel, even when her actions were insecure. GOD protected Jacob, Leah, the maids and Rachel.

 

My Observations:

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Laban’s search?
• Have you ever done something that you felt would cause GOD not to trust you?
• Are you willing to confess your sins to GOD so HE can entrust you with HIS precious plan?

The Answer

The Answer

John 7: ²⁵ Now some of them from Jerusalem said, “Is this not He whom they seek to kill? ²⁶ But look! He speaks boldly, and they say nothing to Him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is truly the Christ? ²⁷ However, we know where this Man is from; but when the Christ comes, no one knows where He is from.”

²⁸ Then Jesus cried out, as He taught in the temple, saying, “You both know Me, and you know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know. ²⁹ But I know Him, for I am from Him, and He sent Me.”

³⁰ Therefore they sought to take Him; but no one laid a hand on Him, because His hour had not yet come. ³¹ And many of the people believed in Him, and said, “When the Christ comes, will He do more signs than these which this Man has done?”

============

For once in my life, the answers were easy. I had prepared ahead of time and could recall the information clearly during final exams. When I got my grades for that semester, I was pleased. So, why was I still broke with no way to pay my bills? And why did a relative of mine get sick?

• There are times when I have more questions than answers.
• There are times when I am in situations that seem overwhelming.
• There are times when I want to know exactly what to do but do not have a clear answer.

Some from the crowd commented that the leaders were definitely trying to kill JESUS. The church leaders must have spoken against JESUS behind HIS back. The crowd noticed how boldly JESUS spoke without retaliation. JESUS tells them why. Many believed.

• JESUS wants me to know HE is the answer to life.
• JESUS wants me to understand that HE is the only reason for my existence.
• JESUS wants me to believe that I am HIS person and HE is my GOD.

“Who will do more signs than this Man has done?” was the crowds reply. They were seeking the answer to life and realized they found it. But what about the broken cars, relationships, bones and ability to feed myself? JESUS is the answer to all of that as well.

GOD cares about me eternally and HE cares about my present state. HE does care about the things I get concerned about and wants me to have faith that HE is the answer to all of my questions. HE miraculously heals, amazingly provides and unbelievably fixes things I could never imagine. I am glad JESUS is my purpose for HE is “the answer.”

• Are you too scared of your situation to have faith in GOD?
• Is your mind racing trying to figure things out on your own?
• Will you allow GOD to calm you down and use HIS power to guide you through this situation, HIS way today?

Tempting Words

Luke 22: ⁶³ The men who were guarding Jesus began mocking and beating him. ⁶⁴ They blindfolded him and demanded, ‘Prophesy! Who hit you?’ ⁶⁵ And they said many other insulting things to him.

============

“If YOU are GOD, then…” were the unfortunate words I have said or thought many times. I mean “IF” YOU can do what YOU say YOU can do then do exactly what I’m thinking.

• Many times I have lacked faith in GOD.
• Many times I wanted GOD to do what “I” say.
• Many times I questioned GOD’s timing, motives and power.

The men who guarded JESUS mocked HIS position as GOD. They blindfolded HIM saying “Prophesy! Who hit YOU?” In so many words they were saying “If YOU are GOD then do what I say or what I am thinking.”

• GOD says to me “I AM the LORD your GOD, do not put ME to the test.”
• GOD says to me “Believe in ME as a child and you will be saved.”
• GOD says to me “I know your thoughts and they are not MY thoughts.”

JESUS chose to be beaten even though HE could have easily wiped out those who sought to harm HIM. So why don’t I question that? I mean that doesn’t make sense either. GOD’s plan is full of grace mercy and love, which doesn’t make sense to a sinner like me.

GOD is very much GOD, no “if” statement needed. In my blind state, I cannot actually see what GOD is doing. All I know is I need to put my trust in HIM. I am blindfolded like JESUS was and I trust HIS plan.

• Do you think GOD should be doing something different in you life?
• Do you believe GOD has only punishment in mind for you?
• Can you ask GOD to reveal HIS loving plan for you in the middle of your difficult situation?

Gimmicks

Mark 11: ¹⁵ So they came to Jerusalem. Then Jesus went into the temple and began to drive out those who bought and sold in the temple, and overturned the tables of the money changers and the seats of those who sold doves. ¹⁶ And He would not allow anyone to carry wares through the temple. ¹⁷ Then He taught, saying to them, “Is it not written, ‘My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations’? But you have made it a ‘den of thieves.’ ”

¹⁸ And the scribes and chief priests heard it and sought how they might destroy Him; for they feared Him, because all the people were astonished at His teaching. ¹⁹ When evening had come, He went out of the city.

============

“Should we throw a pizza party?” was my contribution to the suggestions to solve the dwindling church attendance problem. I mean everyone likes pizza. Who wouldn’t come for that?

• There have been times when I tried to bait people into church.
• There have been times when I tried to fool people into church.
• There have been times when I tried to use gimmicks to get people to listen to the word of GOD.

Church had become a place of business rather than a place of worship when JESUS walked into the temple. More activity was centered on what was sold rather than “who” it was sold for. Exploitation and corruption had entered the church because there was serious money to be made.

• GOD said to me “Gather with people to pray to ME.”
• GOD said to me “Gather together so you can pray for one another.”
• GOD said to me “Gather with people so you can bear one another’s burdens and experience joy with one another.”

JESUS is enough and HIS message of salvation is true. Entertaining bored, skeptical people will almost never be quenched. GOD wants me to find those who need HIS SON and tell them about HIM. That is all. HE is not impressed by gimmicks to raise money that only go back into the pockets of those raising the money.

Pure worship is what GOD is looking for and GOD will bless those who allow HIM to deliver droves of people. HE can and will guide people to me, all I need to do is believe.

• Are you trying to trick people to come to church?
• When they get to your church will they hear a message of HIS love or another gimmick?
• Can you stop trying to trick people into believing in JESUS and allow the HOLY SPIRIT to move them in HIS own time and way?

Give Me Evidence!

Mark 8: ¹¹ Then the Pharisees came out and began to dispute with Him, seeking from Him a sign from heaven, testing Him. ¹² But He sighed deeply in His spirit, and said, “Why does this generation seek a sign? Assuredly, I say to you, no sign shall be given to this generation.”

============

“Do you accept CHRIST as your personal Savior?” I asked the man directly. He replied “Um, I don’t know. Can I get some food now?” This was my first and only conversation with the person and I was disappointed with the outcome. I mean people did not tell “me” if they were saved or not.

• There were times when I sought confirmation that people around me were following GOD.
• There were times when I looked for signs that the message “I” was teaching was sinking in.
• There were times when I searched for evidence that people were following the message “I” said to them about GOD.

Seeking signs from JESUS was the number one fault of the Pharisees. They were high and mighty and needed proof from JESUS that HE was and is GOD. “Prove it to us” was their statement, demanding that GOD meet their expectations. BUT GOD said something different.

• GOD tells me “Do not put the LORD your GOD to test.”
• GOD says to me “Believe in ME and you will be saved.”
• GOD urges me by asking “Why do you seek a sign of MY love when I have died for you.”

“Show me a sign LORD” are words I have mistakenly said to GOD in moments of disbelief. No matter what GOD brought me through, it came back to questioning GOD’s love, power and sometimes HIS existence. Fortunately GOD was gracious enough to forgive my insecure immaturity.

HE wants to grow my faith on a daily basis. HE loves when I credit HIM with every move I make. GOD enjoys my thanks without requiring HIM to part oceans on a daily basis.

• Are you in need of evidence from GOD?
• Do you think HE should meet your expectations of should you meet HIS?
• Will you stop looking for signs from GOD and thank HIM for all HE does for you daily?

Setting Plots

Mark: And He entered the synagogue again, and a man was there who had a withered hand. ² So they watched Him closely, whether He would heal him on the Sabbath, so that they might accuse Him. ³ And He said to the man who had the withered hand, “Step forward.” ⁴ Then He said to them, “Is it lawful on the Sabbath to do good or to do evil, to save life or to kill?” But they kept silent. ⁵ And when He had looked around at them with anger, being grieved by the hardness of their hearts, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he stretched it out, and his hand was restored as whole as the other. ⁶ Then the Pharisees went out and immediately plotted with the Herodians against Him, how they might destroy Him.

============

From sneaky bosses to sneaky workers I remember setting plots to catch them in the act. I spent numerous hours setting traps containing fake information left precariously on my desk. I would then tell the powers that be to watch out for this fake info. I caught a couple of rats.

• There were times when I sought to be right.
• There were times when I looked for others to be wrong.
• There were times when I searched for the bad in people so I could catch them in the act.

Looking for the bad in others had become a norm for me. Suspicions, doubts and sub-plots all danced in my head as I raised my shields and dropped my trust. BUT GOD wanted something different.

• GOD wanted me to seek the lost no matter how shady.
• GOD wanted me to look for those who want to follow HIM but may be caught in the way of the world.
• GOD wanted me to search for the good in people rather than seeing their obvious faults.

When I started looking for the good in people, it was hard to find. I mean that same homeless person was outwardly counting a roll of money in front of me; meanwhile I was eating peanut butter and jelly for lunch! GOD said to me “Drop your judgement on them too. Forgive those as I have forgiven you.”

Instead of setting traps, GOD wants me to set training. HE wants me to wish the best for the scoundrel and train those who desire to follow HIM in HIS ways. HE wants me to seek the lost.

• Are you suspicious of people?
• Is your trust in others low?
• Can you stop looking for the bad in people and search for those who are seeking GOD today?

Prove Yourself

Matthew 16: The Pharisees and Sadducees came to Jesus and tested him by asking him to show them a sign from heaven.

² He replied, “When evening comes, you say, ‘It will be fair weather, for the sky is red,’ ³ and in the morning, ‘Today it will be stormy, for the sky is red and overcast.’ You know how to interpret the appearance of the sky, but you cannot interpret the signs of the times. ⁴ A wicked and adulterous generation looks for a sign, but none will be given it except the sign of Jonah.” Jesus then left them and went away.

============

“If YOU are GOD then…” were the immature words out of my mouth as if to say, “Prove YOURSELF to me.” Looking back on these words, I can see why they were a problem with GOD.

• When I say “If YOU are GOD” I really mean “I don’t believe who YOU are.”
• When I say “If YOU are GOD” I really mean “YOU should bow YOURSELF at my demands.”
• When I say “If YOU are GOD” I really mean “I am a better judge than YOU so prove YOURSELF to my standards.”

“Prove it” was the approach the Pharisees and Sadducees took towards JESUS. Their expectation of a military genius and a mighty, muscular, king was thwarted by this insignificant looking being who spread love and peace versus conquering enemies.

Since JESUS did not meet “their” expectation, they put up barriers to make HIM prove HIMSELF as being GOD to them. I have done the same. BUT GOD guides me back to HIM.

• GOD wants me to believe in HIM with childlike belief.
• GOD wants me to trust in HIM with my whole being.
• GOD wants me to obey HIM rather than tempting HIM to prove HIS abilities.

Parlor tricks are not GOD’s style. HE does not bow down to any human no matter their demands. HE deserves praise, honor and reverence from me because HE is GOD. All I need to do is believe.

• Do you doubt GOD?
• Do you try to force HIM to perform a miracle in front of you so you can believe?
• Will you stop trying to get GOD to prove HIMSELF to you and start trusting in HIM today?

Hits Too Close

Matthew 13: ⁵³ When Jesus had finished these parables, he moved on from there. ⁵⁴ Coming to his hometown, he began teaching the people in their synagogue, and they were amazed. “Where did this man get this wisdom and these miraculous powers?” they asked. ⁵⁵ “Isn’t this the carpenter’s son? Isn’t his mother’s name Mary, and aren’t his brothers James, Joseph, Simon and Judas? ⁵⁶ Aren’t all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all these things?” ⁵⁷ And they took offense at him.

But Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town and in his own home.”

⁵⁸ And he did not do many miracles there because of their lack of faith.

============

“But you are supposed to be a role model to me” I said to myself as I watched yet another mentor fall by the wayside. This person seemed like a godly giant, but turned out to be just like the others. My faith dwindled quickly.

• My faith used to be based on someone else’s actions.
• My faith used to be based on what I could see others do.
• My faith used to be easily thwarted by the fall of others.

When “that” person sinned, I would be so disappointed. I could not hear any preaching or teaching from them. BUT GOD wants me to think differently.

• GOD wants me to have faith in HIM and the people HE sends.
• GOD wants me to drop my arrogance of thinking “that” person can’t possibly perform miracles.
• GOD wants me to stop looking at the sinner and look at GOD inside.

I am in a very popular club, namely ALL those who committed sins. Miracles do not come from humans rather they come from GOD. I should focus only on the SPIRIT not the sinner. Judging people weakens my faith. GOD wants me to see HIM in action, even through the highly unlikely.

• Are you judging someone who is an unlikely candidate for GOD?
• Are you basing your faith on someone else’s actions?
• Can you stop looking at others and start looking at the HOLY SPIRIT?

You Are Welcome

Matthew 10: ⁴⁰ “Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. ⁴¹ Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. ⁴² And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”

============

Listening for the misplaced word or being skeptical was my skill when I attended church. I did not need to know the Bible because I could smell a phony a mile away. “That person is going to talk about money” and many times I was correct. “This place is a sham” I thought to myself.

• I have criticized preachers, teachers and disciples of GOD.
• I have attended church with cynicism.
• I have passed up the homeless thinking “They are just going to use the cash for alcohol or drugs.”

Protecting myself from the dangers of “sneaky people” took me to a place where I could not let my guards down. I was so focused on defending myself that I could not hear what GOD was saying through many people. BUT GOD wanted my heart to change.

• GOD wanted me to open my hurt heart to listen to HIS message through other hurt people.
• GOD wanted me to accept my role of serving others without judging their motive.
• GOD wanted me to give what I have, even if it is only a cup of water in service to HIM.

My heart of stone had to change. It had become cynical, mistrusting and certainly unbelieving. I could not see GOD’s miracles on a daily basis and I wondered where HE was. GOD opened up my heart to trust HIM versus trusting people. HE wants me to listen for HIM instead of listening for mistakes.

Even people with hidden agendas can speak a truth about GOD, so HE wants me to listen intently for HIS words. GOD wants me to welcome HIM by welcoming HIS people HE sends me.

• Are you being critical?
• Do you listen with hurt untrusting ears?
• Are you skeptical of those around you?
• Can you give your hurt to GOD and allow HIM to open your heart to welcome people in instead of pushing them out?

Where to Place Trust

Nahum 3: ¹⁶ You have increased the number of your merchants
    till they are more numerous than the stars in the sky,
but like locusts they strip the land
    and then fly away.
¹⁷ Your guards are like locusts,
    your officials like swarms of locusts
    that settle in the walls on a cold day—
but when the sun appears they fly away,
    and no one knows where.

============

“Go to school” was the overarching advice given to me by the masses. I went, got kicked out, went back and finally finished. “Get a job” was the next message that was a norm to society. I went, got kicked out, went back and same story.

• Sometimes I place my trust in governmental themes.
• Sometimes I place my trust in societal norms.
• Sometimes I place my trust in global commerce.

Looking back, I can see the bright shiny statements of groups promising safety and security. In glowing gullibility I soaked it up and followed the masses like a lemming. One day I cheered for “my” choice of a leader, the next I pouted in disappointment. Where should I place my trust?

• GOD says to me “I AM the one who controls nations, not humans.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the one who controls economies, not groups.”
• GOD says to me “I AM the one who gives and I AM the one who takes, not bosses, leaders or chiefs.”

Completing school is great, getting a job is wonderful, having a business is amazing, but all is for naught without GOD. Placing too much trust in any human construct is a huge mistake. GOD sees the storehouses being built and in an instance, wipes it away like dust. HE makes me nervous, quite honestly.

I mean should I keep going in any effort? Yes! I need to traverse the unknown holding GOD’s hand every step of the way. GOD desires that I dwell in HIM and HE in me. My jealousy of the rich and powerful diminishes when I know GOD is pleased with me following HIS plan.

• Are you secretly following government and preaching GOD?
• Do you get mad at not being wealthy enough as society dictates?
• Can you stop following the crowd and start following GOD who controls it all?
• Will you place your total trust in GOD today?

Hasty Decisions

¹⁵ Now when you hear the sound of the horn, flute, zither, lyre, harp, pipe and all kinds of music, if you are ready to fall down and worship the image I made, very good. But if you do not worship it, you will be thrown immediately into a blazing furnace. Then what god will be able to rescue you from my hand?”

¹⁶ Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego replied to him, “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. ¹⁷ If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty’s hand. ¹⁸ But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up.”

============

Hasty decisions are made when I am full of fear. I mean when I am scared out of my wits, I make hurried decisions without thinking through the long term consequences of my actions. I squirm and only want out of the problem!

• Many times I lost my patience when faced with certain problems.
• Many times I wanted out of the problem so bad that I could not wait on a good solution.
• Many times I could only see demise so I panicked and ran towards any comfort I could get.

Trust in GOD sometimes went out the window when I faced a pressure filled problem that did not seem to go away. I started searching for the quickest way out of the problem rather than facing the situation. BUT GOD wanted me to act differently.

• GOD wants me to slow down and see HIM rather than speeding up.
• GOD wants me to focus on HIM rather than on human obstacles.
• GOD wants me to join HIS winning fight rather than making the fight mine.

Looking back I can see when I trusted GOD and when I made a hasty decision on my own. The times when I did not trust made me make decisions I regretted for a long time. On the other hand, the times where I placed my trust totally in GOD bared the most fruit, usually in ways I never would have imagined. GOD wants total loyalty and total trust in HIM. HE knows I sin, yet HE wants my trust to grow rather than shrink. I trust GOD alone.

• Where have you placed your trust?
• Are you squirming to get out of the problem?
• Can you allow GOD to handle the problem rather than thinking you know the solution?
• Will you add a measure of trust in GOD today?

Time Machines Do Not Exist

Psalm 76: ⁷ It is you alone who are to be feared.
    Who can stand before you when you are angry?
⁸ From heaven you pronounced judgment,
    and the land feared and was quiet—
⁹ when you, God, rose up to judge,
    to save all the afflicted of the land.
¹⁰ Surely your wrath against mankind brings you praise,
    and the survivors of your wrath are restrained.

============

“You know what’s really disappointing, I trusted you” were the words that turned me around. After losing the trust of my supervisor I felt miserable. Now I was being watched carefully on a job that I hated anyway. What hurt the most is I had trust placed in me, lost it and could never gain it back.

• Sometimes I blow it with people and I cannot gain their trust back.
• Sometimes I make permanent mistakes with people and I cannot win them over.
• Sometimes I burn bridges with people and they cannot be rebuilt.

It seemed like GOD was angry at my slothful ways. I was definitely on the wrong path and this incident with my supervisor proved it. I had to wake up and place my fear back in GOD rather than fearing a shrinking bank account. I had to get restraint.

• GOD allows me to be as wild as I want to be, but HE would rather have me fear HIS ways.
• GOD allows me to not follow HIM, but HE would rather that I fear HIS wrath.
• GOD allows me to get angry at HIM, shake my fist at HIM and threaten to move away from HIM, but HE would rather have a peaceful loving relationship with me that has power.

I do not have a time machine to go back and fix all the ills I have created in life. GOD allowed me to feel HIS wrath in a very small way many times. BUT GOD is the ultimate forgiver. HE chastens me rather than destroying me. HE adds restraint to my ways that tend to run away from HIM and HE holds on tight. I can now praise HIM for holding onto me instead of letting me run further away from HIM.

• Are you looking back at past mistakes?
• Do you think reviewing the past will help you right now?
• Can you let go of the past and hold onto GOD?
• Will you stop looking into the future and look at the here and now?
• Will you fear and praise GOD today?

A Place to Put My Trust

Psalm 31: ¹ In you, Lord, I have taken refuge;
    let me never be put to shame;
    deliver me in your righteousness.
² Turn your ear to me,
    come quickly to my rescue;
be my rock of refuge,
    a strong fortress to save me.
³ Since you are my rock and my fortress,
    for the sake of your name lead and guide me.
⁴ Keep me free from the trap that is set for me,
    for you are my refuge.
⁵ Into your hands I commit my spirit;
    deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.

============

Investments were new to me when one of my best friends’ father handed me a magazine teaching me how to invest. He mentioned retirement, buying a house and having money to do stuff. I was nervous because I hadn’t even thought about saving a penny. In fact, my friend and I were headed to a party that evening.

Years later I had saved up a mountain of cash and my attitude went to protection mode versus give. I became nervous at anything that threatened “my” wealth. I found myself worshipping less and working more. BUT GOD knew that.

• When I place my trust in money, it makes me forget how to have peace.
• When I place my trust in the in crowd, it makes me follow their lusts and change who I am.
• When I place my trust in insurance, security alarms, or firewalls it gives me a false sense of security that makes me forget a true need.

I met a man in another country who had his family, a hut, a cow and a lemon tree. He was truly at peace because he had all he needed, meanwhile I had money, fancy cars, and a huge network of people waiting to see if I would succeed or fail. I was the one who could not sleep. I had no peace. GOD wanted my mind somewhere else.

• GOD wants me to take refuge in HIM daily so I can have peace.
• GOD wants me to put aside all problems and focus on HIM for at least a moment so I can have peace.
• GOD wants me to stop playing my problems over and over and over again; slowing down to focus on HIM for just a moment each day.

Taking refuge to me is like when there is a tornado, I run and take shelter. I can run to my depleting cash, I can run to faithless people, I can run to insurance that rejects the claim or I can run to GOD. I chose GOD to quickly deliver me in HIS way in HIS time.

• Are you nervous?
• Where have you put your trust?
• What have you prayed for the most?
• Can you ask GOD for shelter during this storm?
• Will you ask GOD for HIS peace?

Rely on GOD

2 Chronicles 13: ¹⁸ The Israelites were subdued on that occasion, and the people of Judah were victorious because they relied on the Lord, the God of their ancestors.

============

Judah was part of Israel, yet they had separated from the group and it brought upon fights. Israel was not following GOD at the time but was much larger in number. They had Judah surrounded on all sides.

The people of Judah cried to the LORD and GOD intervened. HE fought on Judah’s behalf and they were victorious.

GOD fights my battles.

GOD listens to me when I cry out to HIM.

GOD can defeat any problem I face so I must cry out to HIM daily.

Relying on my own power is always a mistake. Relying on GOD means I am still in the battle, but I know the battle is won by HIM.

GOD Does Big Things

2 Chronicles 9: ²² King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.23 All the kings of the earth sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart.

============

Sitting on my couch worried if I would ever graduate, I took a rare moment and prayed. I mean things were a mess in school and all around me in my life. I could not see how I was going to get out of the mess that I was in. At the time the mess seemed insurmountable, yet one year after I graduated with a high paying job.

• Sometimes the road seems dark.
• Sometimes the path seems invisible.
• Sometimes the trail seems so narrow that I can’t see it or feel it beneath my feet.

Life has many murky times. There are times when I feel like throwing up my hands and giving up or times when I want to panic and flail my arms around screaming for help. BUT GOD does things a bit different.

• GOD made me and said “You are beautifully and wonderfully made.”
• GOD created me and said “I have a plan for you, plans to prosper you.”
• GOD saved me and said “No one can pluck you out of MY hand.”

In the darkest times GOD stands there as the ONE and only light. When GOD does something HE does it big! HE gave Solomon so much wisdom that humans were baffled. GOD does the same thing for each of HIS humans. HE made me with a special purpose and HE knew I would sin, yet HE chose to save me and build a wonderful plan for me.

GOD never does anything small in my life. All I need to do is trust HIM.

• Have you received bad news?
• Do you think your world has crashed around you?
• Can you look to GOD for HIS great deliverance?
• Will you put your trust in HIM today?

Waiting for Perfect Conditions

1 Chronicles 20: In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, Joab led out the armed forces. He laid waste the land of the Ammonites and went to Rabbah and besieged it, but David remained in Jerusalem. Joab attacked Rabbah and left it in ruins. 

² David took the crown from the head of their king—its weight was found to be a talent of gold, and it was set with precious stones—and it was placed on David’s head. He took a great quantity of plunder from the city ³ and brought out the people who were there, consigning them to labor with saws and with iron picks and axes. David did this to all the Ammonite towns. Then David and his entire army returned to Jerusalem.

============

Training was phenomenal and I felt ready to tackle new issues! “This is my chance” I thought to myself.  The conditions were perfect for me to move ahead.  I mean I was the only one in the department trained on this particular platform.  I also had years of experience and to top it off, my boss not only liked me, she was excited about my work.

Then I got the news… She was leaving the company. “Well, that’s okay, I am still trained” I thought. Then they announced they were moving on to a new platform and my training was obsolete. Now how am I supposed to behave? Do I have to wait some more?!

• Many times I have waited for the conditions to be perfect and they have fallen apart.
• Many times I have wondered when it will be “my” turn to be on top.
• Many times I have cried out in a tantrum, “Please let me move ahead and I will start being generous and serving ant etc.”

It seemed like I was trying to bargain with GOD. “If YOU let me get my way then I will serve YOU with excitement” as if to say I wouldn’t if HE didn’t. Instead of advancement after waiting for years, I received more trouble, more worry and more pain.

One reason I think David was a man after GOD’s own heart was he never waited. The current conditions were always perfect to serve GOD. When a bear attacked him, he fought, knowing GOD was with HIM. The same with armies and foes who had the odds stacked against him.

• I must realize that the current conditions are perfect for serving GOD.
• I must realize that I can be generous in the middle of having little.
• I must realize that I can praise GOD loudly and excited in the middle of the storm.

The old saying is “GOD isn’t done with me yet” meaning I’m still growing in HIS grace and HIS marvelous plan. HIS plan is awesome and far greater than I could ever imagine.

• Are you in the middle of the storm?
• Are you facing another giant right after fighting a bear?
• Do you think you have to do it alone?
• Can you place your reliance on GOD and trust that HE knows where you are?

When faith seems to fail

2 Kings 2: ⁹ So the king of Israel set out with the king of Judah and the king of Edom. After a roundabout march of seven days, the army had no more water for themselves or for the animals with them.

¹⁰ “What!” exclaimed the king of Israel. “Has the Lord called us three kings together only to deliver us into the hands of Moab?”

============

“I will go” were my words as I volunteered for a short term mission’s trip. I mustered up all the faith I had at the time, in order to do this. Once I got on the trip things started off smooth but I was assigned to ride with the guy who drove a camper. He couldn’t keep up with the caravan and eventually got lost. We couldn’t speak the language and did not have a GPS, map or a clue!

This was the beginning of the trip! We had many missteps. We were constantly late, once four hours. The last straw was when I set up the equipment, it didn’t work. “GOD, why have you brought me to this place only to fail?!”, I cried out.

• Sometimes I get to a place where things seem bleak and I cry out.
• Sometimes I step out on faith only to meet a greater challenge when I get there.
• Sometimes I take a chance and my risk is met with tougher circumstances.

Faith takes trust in GOD, but sometimes when I used up all of my faith, I run into a situation where I can’t see my way beyond the next circumstance. Looking back, I realize I may have given up a bit too soon on many difficult situations.

• GOD said “MY ways are not your ways.”
• GOD said “Trust in ME for I shall never leave you nor forsake you.”
• GOD said “Believe in the one who can not only kill the body but destroy the soul.”

GOD has delivered me through many bleak situations. HIS power and might seem to overturn even the gravest circumstance. HE easily plows through any problem. When I step out on faith, I should expect to come up against the enemy’s attack. I must add trust to my faith and watch GOD work HIS plan, which includes the tough situation.

• Are you facing a difficult situation?
• Do you feel like you have stepped out on faith only to face a larger situation?
• Can you add trust to your faith and watch GOD deliver you?
• Can you praise GOD for the future victory today?

Growing Up

2 Kings 2:⁹ When they had crossed, Elijah said to Elisha, “Tell me, what can I do for you before I am taken from you?”

“Let me inherit a double portion of your spirit,” Elisha replied.

¹⁰ “You have asked a difficult thing,” Elijah said, “yet if you see me when I am taken from you, it will be yours—otherwise, it will not.”

¹¹ As they were walking along and talking together, suddenly a chariot of fire and horses of fire appeared and separated the two of them, and Elijah went up to heaven in a whirlwind. ¹² Elisha saw this and cried out, “My father! My father! The chariots and horsemen of Israel!” And Elisha saw him no more. Then he took hold of his garment and tore it in two.

¹³ Elisha then picked up Elijah’s cloak that had fallen from him and went back and stood on the bank of the Jordan.¹⁴ He took the cloak that had fallen from Elijah and struck the water with it. “Where now is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” he asked. When he struck the water, it divided to the right and to the left, and he crossed over.

============

Graduation had come and gone. As I stuffed ALL of my belongings in my car, I realized, “I am on my own.” I mean my parents used to tell me what to do, and then the university had my schedule pretty much locked up. But now, I had to figure things out myself.  “How am I going to do this?” I thought.

• GOD knows the unknown for which I’m walking.
• GOD holds my future.
• GOD executes HIS plan and has great thoughts for me.

Elisha asked for special gifts and abilities but was unsure that he received them. I can imagine how he felt when the person who was performing miracles was whisked away in a whirlwind. He probably felt like asking “Now what?” That’s the way my life is. I have started many new chapters and the script is never written for me. BUT GOD’s plan is awesome.

• GOD wants me to succeed.
• GOD wants me to be thoroughly blessed.
• GOD wants me to grow in HIM, trusting HIS ways and believing in HIS future.

The answer to “Now what” is an exciting adventure if I’m willing to accept the road of faith.

• Are you unsure of your future?
• Do you think GOD has left you?
• Can you start walking and let GOD guide your steps?
• Won’t you add TRUST and FAITH to your daily walk and let go of having to know everything?

Trust takes dependence

1 Kings 17: ⁸ Then the word of the Lord came to him: ⁹ “Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.” ¹⁰ So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, “Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?” ¹¹ As she was going to get it, he called, “And bring me, please, a piece of bread.”

¹² “As surely as the Lord your God lives,” she replied, “I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.”

¹³ Elijah said to her, “Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. ¹⁴ For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’”

============

“Open Immediately” were the all too familiar words on the envelope. This time it was from the bank stating my rent check had bounced and my account was now negative. I sat and wondered what I should do. My landlord was going to call soon and I only had a few dollars in my pocket.

I hadn’t been to church and someone on campus asked me to go.  I went and they said “give,” well at least that’s all I could hear since I was broke. I nervously reached in my homemade wallet and gave one of my last dollars. I didn’t even know why I did this at the time. A miracle did not happen that day.  I went home dejected. BUT GOD worked everything out in HIS time.

Sometimes I can’t see what GOD is doing.

Sometimes I think GOD has left me to work everything out by myself.

Sometimes I think my troubles are punishment and I can never get out of trouble with GOD.

Complaints roll off my lips when things don’t quite go my way. I mean, “I’m not really doing bad things” I rationalize to myself in my protest to GOD. HIS reply was very simple.

• Trust in ME and I will never forsake you.
• Believe in ME and I will supply all your needs.
• Follow ME and your path will be made straight.

GOD wants total dependence on HIM.  Bank accounts, insurance and conveniences sometimes blind me and others around me to GOD’s saving grace. HIS mercy came with a great price, namely the loss of HIS SON. BUT GOD didn’t stop at JESUS’ death. HE raised HIM from the dead and placed HIM over everything.

By belief that HIS SON is GOD and is now alive, I am adopted in HIS all-powerful family. Now, my circumstances can be directed by the ONE who made everything. I can depend on GOD.

• Are you worried?
• Do you think you have the power to overcome your circumstances?
• Can you ask GOD what HE wants you to do today?
• Won’t you put your trust in GOD today and let go of your worries?

Change of plans may not be a good idea

1 Samuel 28: ⁴ The Philistines assembled and came and set up camp at Shunem, while Saul gathered all Israel and set up camp at Gilboa. ⁵ When Saul saw the Philistine army, he was afraid; terror filled his heart. 

⁶ He inquired of the Lord, but the Lord did not answer him by dreams or Urim or prophets. ⁷ Saul then said to his attendants, “Find me a woman who is a medium, so I may go and inquire of her.”

“There is one in Endor,” they said.

============

“LORD please make me wealthy” was my childish prayer at the time. With bills mounting high and no relief in sight, fear fell over me and I didn’t know where to go. I did not hear anything from GOD. No signs or people or bags of money from heaven. I devised a plan. “Powerball!” I immediately bought a lottery ticket and pledged to give a tenth of my millions to the closest church.

• Fear makes me turn from GOD.
• Fear makes me murmur at trials GOD takes me through.
• Fear makes me put my hope into something other than GOD.

When I am filled with fear, I see things differently. I “react” instead of consulting GOD and sometimes put my trust in something other than HIM. GOD wants me to think differently.

• GOD wants me to trust HIM in the middle of my fear.
• GOD wants me to understand HE loves me in the middle of my trial.
• GOD wants me to tell others of HIS might even before HE delivers me out of my troubles.

Fear makes me change my plans and run away from GOD. I seek comfort somewhere other than where GOD tells me and my plans fall apart rapidly. When I seek GOD’s face I come through the trial triumphant, no matter what I’m facing!

• Are you facing a trial?
• Do you feel alone?
• Can you seek GOD instead of dreaming of a plan that doesn’t have HIM in it?
• Won’t you ask GOD for HIS success instead of yours?