Follow“Do you trust Me?”
Yes. Of course, Lord.
“How much do you trust Me?
This second question is trickier to answer than the first. It requires some level of self-examination and knowledge of what it means to trust. It also leads toward demonstration of that trust. I demonstrate trust in a pilot by becoming a passenger on the airplane. I demonstrate trust in a chef by eating the food prepared. To deny the ride or the food would betray a heart of distrust.
God reveals Himself to be our Father. This means He is our loving parent. He parents perfectly and has unlimited wisdom, patience untainted by sin, and the ability to renovate life’s difficulties and discouragement into triumphs and transformation as seen through eyes of faith.
You tell me, who is the better father: the one who gives toys to show he loves his children and just can’t bear to say no or the father who holds a child who cries with heartache, who provides boundaries and routines, who disciplines when it’s easier to give in, who carefully teaches the ways of the Lord by word and in action, and who plans and prioritizes for his child’s growth and good?
Our God is the latter kind of parent. Do you believe that? Do you trust that He is who He says He is? You may find glimpses or reflections of God in people here, but ultimately you’ll need to choose to exercise faith beyond what you can see with earthly eyes.
Don’t settle for a “Disneyland Dad” who requires little of you and lavishes sensual pleasures. Forget the prayer cloths being hocked on TV by Pastor Whosee Toosits. Give up the desire to be “loved” by being spoiled with everything working your way (not for your good, but for your way). It’s not about airline seat upgrades or being “blessed” by finding the shortest line in the supermarket. Yes, toddlers are impressed by these things for a moment—but try parenting on this platform and you’re going to see a lot of “What have you done for me lately?” attitude in place of appreciation and affection. Instead, desire and pursue intimacy with the God and Father who is your perfect provider. Lean on Him to provide all that you need to accomplish all His perfect plans in you.
Building a relationship with God is not about Him “proving” Himself by “parenting” Himself out of the picture. Don’t expect God to build large retirement accounts for you and trust funds (pun intended) for your children. Expect God to draw you near to Him through the changing of life’s circumstances. He commands us to take up our cross daily, not to take the path of least resistance (like spilled water, flowing toward the sea).
Ultimately trust, or faith, results in action, steps taken demonstrating the trust is genuine. Is faith in God just a nice idea, a transaction that you think you completed when you were “saved?” What step of faith with regard to money are you going to take next? What genuine faith resides in you?
Views – 143
Dang it, Jeff. I wish I’d read this earlier! I just sent Pastor Whosee Toosits $100 for a vial of authentic olive oil from the Holy Land. He promised it came from the same tree that Christ prayed under in the Garden of Gethsemane.
Jeff, thank you for this teaching. I really enjoyed and learned from it.