Do we really trust God?

“Trustfulness is based on confidence in God whose ways I do not understand; if I did, there would be no need for trust”

— Oswald Chambers

Yesterday in our Bible study, we observed the patience of David to wait for God’s timing to become king. During our discussion, we brought up how patiently waiting for God required a trust in God, even when we don’t understand His plan or His timing. The question to ponder is “Do we really trust God?” We read yesterday of the great verse of how Abraham followed God. “And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I being in the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master's brethren.” (Genesis 24:27) We are familiar with Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” We quote this passage genuinely, sincerely desiring to trust God with our lives, but we quickly find ourselves relying on our own wisdom. We support our conclusions to move ahead of God’s will by looking through our limited scope of knowledge. Abraham was guilty of this too! In Genesis 16, Abraham, one of the great examples of faith, and Sarah decided to “help” God, because from their limited wisdom, there was no way that God could keep His Word. This episode of lack of trust led to numerous difficulties in the life of Abraham and even generations afterwards. A couple of weeks ago, I was putting together some furniture in our living room. Shilyn asked if she could help, and Tavian volunteered to hinder progress. I explained to Shilyn what needed to be done and explained how she would have to really be listening to my instructions. At 5 years of age, she had a decent idea of what I desired to accomplish. I could ask her to hold this, or screw in this, and she would. Every once in awhile she would jump ahead in the building process, and I would have to bring her back to the step I was on, but she was genuinely trying to be helpful. Tavian, on the other hand, was a tornado of mayhem to our project. At a year and half, he did not comprehend what we desired to accomplish. He watched us use the screwdriver, and determined in his small scope of understanding that this screwdriver was the tool for everything. He tried to use it on the screen of the television, on the video game consoles, and even in his own ears. I’m sure Tavian desired to help and maybe even thought he was  helping, but since he did not understand the big picture, he slowed down progress. God desires to build our lives for His glory. We don’t always understand every detail, but if we are patient and trusting, we have His promise that He will direct our paths.

The Importance of Diligence

This week in our Sunday Morning Bible Study we observed David’s diligence. We defined diligence as a constant and earnest effort to accomplish what is undertaken. We humorously discussed the lack of diligence in the modern workplace. We’ve all observed, or maybe even experienced, the poor customer service by people that lack diligence. But many of us overlook the lack of diligence in our own lives. As I search the Word of God, I find great truths about being persistent and earnest in accomplishing what God has called me to do.  Proverbs 12:24 says, “The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute.”  Solomon wisely states that diligence is a key element in leadership. We may look at the phrase “bear rule” and think, I don’t have a desire to “bear rule” over anyone. Solomon is simply teaching a truth about leadership. I hope that you desire to be a godly leader even as a teenager. Our culture needs young people who are leaders that are passionately accomplishing goals that glorify our Savior. Here is one more example, Proverbs 22:29 says, “Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean (of little importance) men.” I know you’re thinking, I don’t have a business! The word “business” here basically means his or her work. So, the Word of God practically explains to us that diligence is a cornerstone of a successful life. Do you desire to be successful? Remember our quote from Sunday, “There are no small or unimportant jobs to God.” Being faithful as a shepherd was just as important as being faithful as a king (Memory Verse: Psalm 78:70-71.) I have two challenges for you! First, take some time this week and search your Bible (or Bible app) for the word “diligent” and see for yourself what the Bibe says about it. Secondly, I challenge you to be diligent this week. This week “Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.” (Ecclesiastes 9:10)

Learning to know God

In our study of the Life of David on Sunday, we were looking at how David learned to know God.  It was exciting to hear the observations that you all made as we looked at Psalm 100. It still amazes me how many things we are told about God in just those five verses! My prayer would be that you as young people will learn to know God personally. Our culture has given us a perception of our God that is not even close to truth. If I were to ask you, “How do you get to know God?” Your answer would probably have something to do with prayer and/or Bible reading. And it should! Are you taking time to meditate on God’s Word and talk with Him in prayer? Don’t just take others opinions about God. Learn to know God yourself, like David did. As we saw on Sunday, it was one of the keys for David’s preparation for what God desired him to do in life. 

    A few years ago, my wife shared an interesting study with me. It was a study by one of the ladies from the Wilds Christian Camp. The study was entitled “What Do I Know About My God?” I want to challenge you to take a look at it. Here is a link to the PDF. I believe if we start to think this way, it will transform our Christian walk!