Trusting God

A study conducted by the Barna Group found that about 65% of Christians admit to having experienced a season of spiritual doubt. This included doubts about God’s goodness, His faithfulness, and His plan for their lives.

According to another Barna report, 38% of young adult Christians (ages 18-29) have admitted that they often struggle with doubts about God, His purpose, and their faith.

This data suggest many people (including myself) can be found asking questions like:

Does God care?
What does the Bible have to say about my purpose?
Is God really in control?

‍In John 2, we see the question of the Lord’s authority answered at the wedding in Cana.

Jesus’ Authority over Creation    

The Wedding at Cana 

“When the wine ran out, the mother of Jesus said to him, “They have no wine.” And Jesus said to her, “Woman, what does this have to do with me? My hour has not yet come.” His mother said to the servants, “Do whatever he tells you.”” (John‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

Mary sees a need and brings it to Jesus, knowing that He can change the circumstances. The result is the first miracle the Lord performs, demonstrating to those around His power over even the elements.

I wonder how often we are like Mary? 

Do we tell God what he needs to do to fix our circumstances?

So often we depend upon our own strength, thinking we know best. This mindset can lead us to believe that we can only be content when life’s circumstances suit us.

Let’s look at another well known example:

Calming the storm

“And he said to them, “Why are you afraid, O you of little faith?” Then he rose and rebuked the winds and the sea, and there was a great calm. And the men marvelled, saying, “What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey him?”” (Matthew‬ ‭8‬:‭26‬-‭27‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

Now it’s the disciples who don’t trust God. They tremble with fear, as they see the waves crashing against their boat. God uses this moment to show Christ’s authority over the  storm, bringing total calm.

We may not face many life-threatening issues ourselves. But at times, we are all like the disciples – we doubt God. We see life’s issues crashing down against our “Ship of Self”.

Yet is our response to trust that God has authority over the whole creation? 

How much more the things we stress over?

Whether they be:
Exam Results
Job Applications 
Singleness & Relationships
Or even football!

God has authority over them all!

Jeremiah reminds us why we should trust God:

“For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” (‭‭Jeremiah‬ ‭29‬:‭11‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

It’s a verse worth memorising, because it assures us of the Lord’s plan for us. 

But more than that, we can pray:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” (Philippians‬ ‭4‬:‭6‬-‭7‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

When we are tempted to doubt God’s authority, let’s turn to God in prayer, with thanksgiving, committing our worries to him. Then we will know the peace of God!

The Psalmist knows the importance of trusting him and says:

“Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!” (‭‭Psalm‬ ‭46‬:‭10‬ ‭ESV‬‬)

There is coming a day when he shall be exalted for all eternity. Until that day, let’s be still, calm, trusting, thankful for the work that God has worked and will work, in our lives - through his son the Lord Jesus Christ. Amen.