discipled living

The Truth About Grace Series (part 4)

Trusting God is not optional for the disciple of Jesus Christ. We do not have an option because the very nature of our relationship with God through Jesus Christ is based upon His Faithfulness. Absent His Faithfulness we have no foundation for trusting Him. Hebrew 11:4ff demonstrates through a procession of Biblical personalities that there is value in trusting God. In the final analysis God says

“By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight. Women received their loved ones back again from death.” Hebrews 11:33-35.

This is not the end of the trust equation between God and those who lean upon His faithfulness. Hebrews also records this concerning others who trusted God.

“But others trusted God and were tortured, preferring to die rather than turn from God and be free. They placed their hope in the resurrection to a better life. Some were mocked, and their backs were cut open with whips. Others were chained in dungeons. Some died by stoning, and some were killed with the sword. Some went about in skins of sheep and goats, hungry and oppressed and mistreated. They were too good for this world. They wandered over deserts and mountains, hiding in caves and holes in the ground. All of these people we have mentioned receive God’s approval because of their faith, yet none of them received all God had promised. For God had far better things in mind for us that would also benefit them, for they can’t receive the prize at the end of the race until we finish the race.” 11:36-40

Undoubtedly, we might look at the two contrasting experiences of those who trusted God as outlined in scriptures and ask the question what is the true benefit, what is the common Grace that comes from trusting God. Obviously the power of trust is not a guarantee of a challenge-free, struggle-free, painless life. The Word of God overcomes that misconception in what appear to be contrasting experiences of people who trusted the same God.

If our lives will still be overwhelmed with pain, grief, struggle and challenge in the midst of trusting God, then what is the real power of Trusting in God? Is there any real, tangible benefit or blessing that comes from trusting Him? What a question to ask as we witness the world’s confusion today as its spill over into the very Church, Christ gave His life to create.