August 6: Wholehearted Trust

Author:  Dr.  Terry Ann Robinson

Key Text: Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5 

In the Gospels, we find the story of siblings, Mary, Martha, and Lazarus. They shared a common BFF (Best Friend Forever) who stayed at their home whenever He was in town. Mary often sat at their BFF’s feet, captivated by His teachings.  Martha was the one who always ensured that He was comfortable. She cleaned the house, cooked the food, and was always busy serving others. Yet, their BFF did not even attend the funeral when Lazarus died. Feelings of disappointment must have come over Mary and Martha as day 1, day 2, and day 3 passed, and still their friend did not show up.

 

For some of us, that friend could never return to our house. We would question if the friendship was genuine. Our minds would take us through thoughts we would not admit with our mouths.

 When their BFF finally showed up, Martha’s got straight to the point. Her words are highlighted in John 11: 21, “if you had been here, my brother would not have died”. 

 I have had many times when I am low in spirit, and I feel like God is not with me. I sometimes question: Why did you not show up when I asked? 

 But, I have learnt that when I can’t see God’s footprints and it appears that He is not with me, that’s when I am being carried by Him.

 In Isaiah 65:24, he tells us, “before they call, I will answer; And while they are still speaking, I will hear”. But the answer is not always yes. 

 No good parent responds yes to all their child’s requests. Look at babies, they are always eager to walk on their own. They will do anything to get out of the arms of their parents. Once they are on their feet, they try to run away, sometimes into the way of danger unseen to them. To save them, parents sometimes act quickly, grabbing them, telling them no. To the child, the action of the parents seems unfair, but if they could only see what they have been saved from, then instead of complaining they would rejoice and learn to trust.

 It’s the same with us and our Heavenly Father. If we could only see what He has saved us from. 

 The job you did not get, the relationship that didn’t work out, the opportunity that was denied - all part of the saving process. 

 He knows the plans he has for you, and don’t you worry, these plans are to prosper you. They are for good and not evil (Jeremiah 29:11). 

 Although Martha pointed out Jesus’ apparent absence, what came next reflected her firm believe in the power of God, “But I know that even now God will give you whatever you ask.” John 11:22.

 The words that Martha echoed showed that she believed everything is possible with God. That’s Trust.

 Someone once said, in life we have either just come out of a storm, are entering a storm, are going through a storm, or we are about to go through a storm. I don’t know what stage you are at, and I don’t know how long your storm will last. It may be days, months, or even years. But put your trust in the Lord. He will see you through. 

 Prayer

Heavenly Father, sometimes we can’t see the way. Sometimes we feel alone. Help us to remember that you know what’s best for us and we can trust you. You never fail. You are always there for us. Strengthen our faith. Remind us how far you brought us from and help us to hold to your unchanging hand. Amen.