Trust In God

Have you ever read the story of the “Forty Martyrs Of Sebaste”? When I first read this historical recount of the mass death of these 40 Christian Roman soldiers some years back, I was most taken aback.  As I read it now and then, I would meditate on what an amazing example of trusting God. Jeremiah 17:7-8 says:

But blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in him. They will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream; It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green; It has no worries in a year of drought; and never fails to bear fruit.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 NIV

Those two verses detail God’s promises to us when we trust Him in heat or drought. When you trust Him, He gives a measure of faith.  It’s Him that produces green leaves and deep roots to weather the storms of life.  Because you have been grafted in the vine, and are taking life’s nutrients from the vine, fruit is the ultimate result.  The fruit is always on the branch, not the trunk.

Trusting in Jesus is not blind faith!  It is trusting in the person, Jesus Christ, who has been given all power and authority in heaven and earth.  (Matthew 28:18).

Sometimes, it is easier to find comfort in our usual coping routine rather than trusting in God. Admittedly, trusting in God takes energy and effort. It requires us to pray more, spend more quiet time meditating with God. We must seek Godly counsel when our faith is challenged.  Attend church and Bible study regularly and keep company with persons who have a Godly mindset and goals. It calls for us to sometimes sacrifice our own personal wants and needs and invest in His kingdom through acts like evangelism. Moreover, trusting in God isn’t developed overnight. It requires a lifetime of learning and doing. 

Aside from being known as “a man after God’s heart,” sadly David is a biblical figure that always seemed to stumble in his walk and trust in God whenever he lost his focus. Every time David went to war he would lead his army into battle and God would give him the victory.  However, when he started to stay at home but sent his commanding officer and warriors to fight battles David would get sidetracked and doubtful. Had David stayed on the battlefield he would not lose his focus.

Saints, no matter how discouraged, weak, feeble or confused we may be, we are not to lose focus but wholly trust God with all the promises He made to us. Like the Forty Martyrs of Sebaste, who were eventually left to die on a frozen lake with their bones broken and burnt, we must know that regardless of the situation, God has made promises to protect us. We must remember that, despite how things may appear, “no matter how many promises God has made, they are ‘Yes’ in Christ. And so through him, the ‘Amen’ is spoken by us to the glory of God.” 2 Corinthians 1:20, NIV. I admonish you that when you are afraid of your challenges, the unknown, or the future, put your trust in God, (Psalm 56:3).