I’m pretty sure that this scene is a familiar one that most of us have played out with God, in one way or another, multiple times in our lives. You see, the Lord has this whole new world that He wants to show to us, but we must first be willing to step out of our comfort zones and allow Him to take us where He wants to go. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize Him, especially when He’s disguised as a difficult circumstance or the voice of a child. But there’s just something about Him that our spirits recognize. Then, with an extended hand, eyes dancing with excitement, and a smile that broadens His face, He asks the question, “Do you trust me?” This is the pivotal moment that makes all the difference…it’s where our response determines how the rest of the scene will play out.
Our knee-jerk reaction to the Lord’s question of trust is to reply with a bold, quick, “yes,” because we know that SHOULD be our answer. But I want for us to take just a moment here to pause and really consider the truth of our response. Do I really trust Him? Our real, heart-felt answer truly defines the level of our relationship with Him and quantifies His rule over different areas of our lives. Do we really believe He works all things together for good? If we don’t see the results we’re hoping for, do we still trust Him in the darkness? Are there areas in which we keep finding ourselves holding back—just a bit—trying to manage them on our own and keeping them from full submission to Him? These are painful questions, I know, but important ones to ponder honestly in order to move forward into the next level that I believe God wants to take us.
We could linger back here in the security of having our feet on solid, familiar ground, and simply drift our way to Heaven on cruise control. But is that really how we want to arrive? I don’t think so. I think there’s a yearning built into each of us that longs to say a great big “yes” to God’s invitation to go on a wild adventure with Him, and THAT is exactly what I believe He is calling us to in this new year. He wants His people to stop replying, “I’ll go when…” or “I’ll go if…” and just say, “I’ll go…Wherever You want to go and whatever You want to do, I trust You.” Or the Elijah version, “Here am I. Send me.”
Yes, there will be lots of ups and downs and unexpected curves that we probably won’t see coming when we embark upon this wild ride. But as we cling to our Prince, we never have to be afraid. In my own life, I’ve had to trust God with a marriage that I never dreamed He would be able to heal, His sovereignty over the direction of my kids’ lives, provision in our finances, direction in my career path, and healing in my body. It wasn’t always easy, as a matter of fact, it rarely was, and some days I felt more confident than others. But I promise you…EVERY time I TRULY let go of my conditional obedience and fully gave my situation over to Him, He has always shown Himself to be a faithful God of abundant goodness, unmatched power, and extravagant love.
Please pray a bold prayer with me…but I caution you, only do it if you really mean it.
Father, I’ve spent too much of my life putting conditions on how far I’ll go and how much I’ll do when You ask me to trust You. I open myself up to You now and ask You to reveal to me any areas of my life that I have withheld from You so that I may repent for my actions and resubmit those things back into Your loving hands. I’m so sorry for not trusting You. Please help me with my unbelief in the areas where I am lacking, and help me to grow into a deeper relationship with You as a result of it. For, in the end, there is nothing on this earth that is worth more to me than living a life, fully trusting You, so that I can fulfill the purpose that You have placed within me. Let this be the year that I remove all the excuses and fears and stall tactics we have placed in the way so that I may give You my unconditional, confident, “yes!” In Jesus’ name, I thank you for it now, my ever-faithful Father. Amen.
Lean on, trust in, and be confident in the Lord with all your heart and mind and do not rely on your own insight or understanding. In all your ways know, recognize, and acknowledge Him, and He will direct and make straight and plain your paths.
– Proverbs 3:5-6 (AMP)
“Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever You would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior”
– Oceans, by Hillsong United
220 Gal 