Gordon Green, M.Div., M.A., Counseling
Last month, we talked about the foundation of 2020 vision: our abiding relationship with Christ. For February, we are looking at the importance of having trust in God. Easier said than done, right? This is true, but what is impossible for us is possible with God’s help. First, though, let’s clarify the difference between trust and belief. All of us who profess with our mouths that Jesus is Lord and believe in our hearts that he was raised from dead are saved (our means of justification, Romans 10:9). But that’s just the starting point. As the Apostle Paul also declares, we are called to work out our salvation through the power of the Holy Spirit (our means of sanctification, Philippians 2:12)
Charles Blondin understood the difference. Never heard of him? Blondin was the first person to tightrope across Niagara Falls. He continued to entertain droves of spectators by crossing the falls with added elements, including being blindfolded and one time carrying his manager on his back. Regarding the latter stunt, he first asked his audience if they believed that he could successfully perform this daring feat. The crowd unanimously shouted, “Yes!” With a wily smile, he then asked the crowd if any would like to climb on his back and be the first to piggyback across Niagara. His audience responed with nervous laughter. As expected, no one came forward. Hence his manager climbed on board (see photo to your left).
Like the crowd, we can believe that anything is possible with God, but it is another matter to step out in faith and trust that God will provide—that he will be there for us. One of my favorite verses of Scripture emphasizes the importance of trusting in God if we want to see our way forward:
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.
Proverbs 3:5-6 ESV
Here, King Solomon shares wise advice that promises a clear view forward (straight paths). It’s not easy and can be terrifying to step out in faith and trust God when the road ahead is winding and undulating. It may feel safer to lean on our own understanding. That’s why it is critical to wholeheartedly trust God. Halfhearted steps are missteps. And whether we think it or verbalize it, if we will acknowlege the provision and guidance of our good Father each step of the way, we will successfully navigate the twists and turns of 2020.
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