Understanding Faith Part 1: Trust in Him
September 4, 2008
By Rodney Kirkpatrick
One of the clearest declarations we find in scripture to all believers is found in Hebrews 11:6 (NASB) which says,
When we understand who "He is," it is much easier to see why faith is central in pleasing Him.
So who is the Lord? Genesis 1:27 (NASB) provides some insight when it states, "God created man in His own image..." In other words, God is very much like human beings concerning many of the things He likes. There are few things more enjoyable to people than strong relationships and it is rare to meet anyone who is overwhelmed with life when their key relationships with other people (marriage, family, Church, etc.) were vibrant and in order. In contrast, when those relationships lack or are broken it is almost always indicative of a miserable existence.
Our most important relationship is with the Lord and when it is shallow nothing can make up for it. Remember our salvation experience is the beginning of our relationship with Christ. There is no perspective on relationships that I am aware of that doesn't say every one requires time and effort to be maintained and to grow. Because knowing God is the primary purpose for which mankind was created, when we don't give ourselves to it we almost always find some way to substitute for its lack. I once heard a tearful statement from two of the most materially successful people I've known: "We want to know that God loves us as much as He does you." The good news was the simple and direct answer that the Holy Spirit gave them, "You can, all you have to do is trust Him."
Substantive relationships are built on a foundation of trust between the two parties. In one way or another, to trust someone else is to be vulnerable and risk what is most dear to us to another. It is an honor to place your trust in someone and the Lord is so honored when we place our lives in His hands.
The sky is the limit if we are willing to risk and trust the Lord. In fact, the process of living by faith often calls us to trust Him to accomplish what seems impossible. Hebrews 11:30-34 (NASB) continues,
30 By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.
31 By faith Rahab the harlot did not perish along with those who were disobedient, after she had welcomed the spies in peace.
32 And what more shall I say? For time will fail me if I tell of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, of David and Samuel and the prophets,
33 who by faith conquered kingdoms, performed acts of righteousness, obtained promises, shut the mouths of lions,
34 quenched the power of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, from weakness were made strong, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.
While these scriptural examples may seem extreme, they don't have to be. More and more everyone who knows Christ will be called upon to "shut the mouths of lions" in there own lives and the lives of others by risking according to the leadership of the Holy Spirit. Step out and trust the Lord when He leads you into a challenge. He is waiting to show you how much it pleases Him to come through on your behalf.