Can I Really Trust God?

Can I really trust God? This is a question I wrestle with, especially as I navigate my 20s. Looking back on every decision that I’ve ever made in obedience to Him, has only led me to greater depths of knowing Him in a deeper, more beautiful, more mysterious, and more profound way than I can adequately describe. Maybe I’ll have the words in Heaven one day. Still, in this period of my life, it can feel as though I’m striving to reach a “final destination.” When I have that job, or degree, or family, or business model/idea, or friend group – you name it. It sounds cliche, but I often can get so focused on where I might be going that I miss right where I am at. I focus so much on what is next and neglect gratitude for all that the Lord has in front of me right now. As well as the mission to live out the Great Commission. I’m tempted to try to “find” my life and make much of myself, rather than losing it for the sake of others knowing Christ.

As I attempt to take faithful, practical, and actual steps of obedience, I am humbled in virtually every season. Decisions, responsibilities, conflict, and relationships cause me to rely on my Father even when I don’t see the full picture. After a long day last week, I recognized my lack of comfort and my flesh being stretched. As I contemplated with myself and the Lord, I considered this: Would I ever want to be in a place where I am not uncomfortable for the Lord? I pray that my answer is no. Being stretched to love others well often comes at the expense of my own comfort. I am no saint, but I believe that modeling the love of Jesus looks like putting our own needs and even our comfort aside because the needs of the One outweigh our own. Jesus modeled this every day of His life here on earth, and He ultimately modeled it on the cross. Complete humility displayed by the Son of God. Our King crucified on a cross made by human hands.

Why would I look at Christ and assume that my God owes me comfort? He owes me nothing! And yet He has given me everything. So in my feeble attempt to follow in the footsteps of the Father in one step of obedience at a time, I am burdened to ask my heart this question: Is this decision being made out of obedience to a loving and faithful God who wants me to trust Him or am I making decisions based on what will grant me the most comfort? Do I want a life marked by faithful submission to an eternal God that may come at the risk of my ease or will I prize a safe and guarded life over all else?

God’s Word is eternal and it never changes. His commands are clear as to how we are to walk as believers and followers of Him. It is a life of daily repentance. But how do we walk and make decisions in the areas of our life where it may not be clear as to what God wants us to do? We pray, ask the Lord for wisdom, read His Word, seek counsel from trusted mentors and leaders in our church body, and choose to make a decision in faith. Whatever that decision is, I pray that you would make it out of faith, knowing that the Lord will equip you and provide if He has called you to it. God is big enough to re-direct, and even in that step, God is still using it to mold you and shape you and work all things for the good of those that love Him and are called according to His purpose.

If you completely take fear out of the equation, what decision would you make for the glory of God? I pray that the Holy Spirit of God would convict you where it’s needed and would cause you to evaluate what He is asking you to surrender to Him. For me, I still don’t know where these steps will ultimately lead me, but the Lord has not given me eyes to see that yet. He has given me lungs that breathe and a heart that is beating right now to be faithful in loving Him, loving people, and stewarding the time, talents, and treasures He has given me. Even more importantly, my life is not ABOUT me, it’s about Christ. He is the whole point of my existence. That is where true freedom is found and for that I am forever thankful. Psalm 24:1-2 states, “The earth is the Lord’s and the fullness thereof, the world and those who dwell therein, for he has founded it upon the seas and established it upon the rivers.” God is the provider and sustainer of all things and He will take care of you. Can you trust Him? Absolutely.

- Summer Broadbridge