Trust Him
It’s easier said than done. Believers likely know this and understand it. Yet, to truly let go with confidence, well, it can be hard. When I think of God’s presence in my life and what that means, I understand fully that God is indeed, in control. I’ve got some scripture to share that I hope will help reaffirm this for you as well.
It’s easier said than done. Believers likely know this and understand it. Yet, to truly let go with confidence, well, it can be hard. When I think of God’s presence in my life and what that means, I understand fully that God is indeed, in control. I’ve got some scripture to share that I hope will help reaffirm this for you as well.
God assured Joshua as the conquest of the Promised Land was just beginning. He told him in Joshua 1:9, “This is my command - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” To me, that’s a strong commitment and gives me confidence that “God has my back”. God didn’t just make promises like this; He backs them up!
God’s relationship with us is well established. He makes it known throughout the history of His people that He is their God. For instance, in Isaiah 41:10, God assures us once again of His presence, His strength, and help is with us. “Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my Victorious right hand.” That invigorates my confidence!!
God reminds us that He has no limits and that we cannot begin to understand His thinking and planning. He clearly lays that out in Isaiah 55:8-9. “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD.
“And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine. For just as the heavens are higher than the earth, so my ways are higher than your ways
and my thoughts higher than your thoughts.”
There are many Biblical examples of God being in control. Early in Christ’s earthly ministry, He and his disciples started out on about on the Sea of Galilee. As Mark records it, “a fierce storm came up.” This storm was intense and these men, whom many were fishermen by trade, were no stranger the storms. However, due to the intensity, they panicked! When Jesus was woken by them, He simply said “Silence! Be Still!” The disciples were surprised and asked each other “Who is this man? Even the wind and waves obey him!” I’d say that is a convincing demonstration.
I know we live in a dark world and there is evil all around us. Despite that, there is still evidence that God is in control. James, a defense contractor, and father of five, was led into a snake and alligator-infested swamp against the police and rescue officers orders. After three days of search and rescue efforts, authorities began scaling back the efforts to find Nadia, a fifth-grade girl with an autism-related disorder whoa wandered off! Hope was all but lost when James started out. He felt it, it was a call to find Nadia. He didn’t know Nadia or the family, but he was being led by the Lord. James was praying scripture from Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV) “Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths.” James could feel the Lord nudging him toward the rising sun. He would call out for Nadia but heard no response.
Two hours had passed and James came to a dry patch. He called out “Nadia”! The reply came! “WHAT!” James followed her voice and found her surprisingly well - considering she had spent 4 days and nights in a swamp.
James directed the rescue workers to their location. All was well and Nadia emerged from the swamp and found a cheering crowd. James was treated as a hero. But James quickly gave the Lord the credit for leading him to Nadia. He even announced that while she was alone, she was reciting the same scripture, Proverbs 3:5-6, that aided him during the search. Do you see that James was an instrument used by God?
He is in control and rules over all things. God is sovereign. He loves you and nothing will ever separate us from God’s love!
Special note: I had completed this post prior to the school tragedy in Florida last week. I've not changed the post except to add this recording at the end. Be encouraged by what you read and hear! No matter what, God remains in control!
Listen to "Our Awesome Lord".
Special note: I had completed this post prior to the school tragedy in Florida last week. I've not changed the post except to add this recording at the end. Be encouraged by what you read and hear! No matter what, God remains in control!
Listen to "Our Awesome Lord".
"His faithful love endures forever."
Until next time...
Chaplain Gray
