Trust in God (Part 3 of a 3 Part Series)

Have we settled for lives of slavery–rather than a life of trust, obedience and freedom in Christ?

I think if we are honest—many of us would have to say yes.

At least that was the box I neatly packed my life into. 

Slavery is predictable.  You know what to expect day in–day out.  No surprises there. 

• You get up-shower (hopefully)
• work all day
• go home
• do some laundry
• cook supper
• watch TV
• eat supper
• shower
• read a verse or two before you fall asleep
• sleep–(hopefully)
• start all over the next day

Slavery. 

It may not be the making bricks from mud and straw kind, but nonetheless–it is what it is.

When the children of Israel had been delivered from slavery by God–using Moses as His servant and instrument–(picture this)–they are coming up on the Red Sea.  It’s in plain sight.  However, what was not in sight were boats.  Not a single one.  Somewhere up in front of the line, the complaining started.

“Moses–how are we getting across?  You have some boats or rafts hidden somewhere?” (my thoughts–not found in the Bible)  The feelings of restlessness and fear began to filter through the ranks of followers.

Moses–kept on walking.  Probably doing some internal praying–I like to imagine, having a very serious conversation with God.  “Okay God.  I have obeyed.  I see no boats–I see no rafts–but I KNOW I heard Your voice–and I KNOW You will not lead me astray.  I TRUST YOU.”

As they drew nearer, the whining and complaining grew more intense.  At that point, being slaves for the rest of their lives seemed more appealing than TRUSTING God with the unknown and yet unseen.

I imagine this walk to be much like a ride in a car with a troup of fussy kids.  “Are we there yet?”  “It’s hot back here!”  “Sally poked me in the arm!”  “Jimmy tore my paper!”

Being a mother, and a grandmother–I know the frustration I feel when I am headed somewhere with a determination—and trying to concentrate and all I hear is whining and complaining from the back seat.  I personally want to slam on brakes, getting their attention–and giving them the “look” all kids fear–“I will put you OUT of this car if you don’t hush your mouth!” 

I think Moses may have wanted to put some of the Israelites out of his ride at that point.  Instead of lashing out, he recognized their fear and said to them,

“Do not be afraid.  Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today.  The Egyptians you see today you will never see again.  The Lord will fight for you;  you need only to be still.”  (Exodus 14:13-14)  I hope you got that part where Moses told them they would NEVER again see those Egyptians! 

Then in verse 31 of the same chapter it says:  “And when the Israelites saw the great power the Lord displayed against the Egyptians, the people feared the Lord and put their trust in Him and in Moses His servant. (Exodus 14:31)

The children of Israel thought they were on the brink of their destruction–all they could see was their dilemma–but God was about to show them their deliverance!

Friend, when your feet have taken you as far as they can go–when your heart is weary and all you see in front of you is the Red Sea–friend–step out in faith!  God is about to do one of two things!  He will equip you to walk on water–or He will part the Red Sea in front  of you!  TRUST HIM!!

If He asked you today, “step out in faith–I will meet your needs” could you?  Would you? 

If you didn’t know for sure what His plan was–would you trust Him? 

If you couldn’t see where He was leading you–would you trust Him? 

If you didn’t have a plan or map from Him for the road He put your feet on —would you still go?

These are all questions I had to answer for myself.  In the past several months.  No, I have no map–nor plan or grand scheme I am working from.  He didn’t wake me up in the middle of the night and tell me that I would lead millions to Christ through song and dance routine. (I can’t dance—and my singing days are not what they once were!) 

What He did was call my name.  He planted a desire in my heart to do MORE for Him than ever before–and He has lead me step by step along the way.  Have I been afraid?  Yes.  But did I give Him my fear?  Yes.  And—more than that.  I trust Him.

I remember with tears, the last words of my sister Wanda.  “I don’t understand. (Long pause for breath.)  We trusted God. (Another long pause.)  But–I still–Trust Him.”

On the bed in a hospital in Gainesville, Florida she was faced with the reality and finality of life.  The words from the doctors offered no hope.  The scriptures in her heart and mind however, brought everything in clear view.  Psalm 56:3-4 says, “What time I am afraid, I will trust in Thee.  In God I will praise His word, in God I have put my trust;  I will not fear what flesh can do unto me.”

The Psalmist David faced fear–but each and every time, he turned his fear into faith by handing it over to God. 

He trusted in God–do you?

Father, as I have listened to Your voice speak to my heart–I have laid aside my fears in exchange for a faith that I didn’t know was in me!  I am so thankful that YOU have planted my feet on this path to walk out the rest of my days–may my life be pleasing to YOU! May my steps–words and message be ordered by You and bring GLORY to Your name!  Touch lives through the clicking of this keyboard–or the voice and message You have given me.  Reach hearts in ways that only You can!  I give everything I have and am to You–do what You will.  In Jesus Holy Name~Amen.

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