Trust

There's no doubt that we were created to accomplish good works. But "accomplishments" should never take the place or become more important than our relationship with God. Often we struggle so hard to understand "What?" or "Why?" that we lose focus on "Who?". God's desire for each of us is to be in a vibrant, surrendered, loving relationship with Him, where He has full freedom to move in and through us. It's only then that our "What" comes into view...slowly...simply...like the rise of the sun on a new day.

"The LORD longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. . . . How blessed are all those who long for Him." ISAIAH 30:18

"Are you consumed with a desire to do something? Are you trying to earn God’s grace or convince Him to bless you with some heart’s desire? If you find yourself thinking, "Father, what do You want from me? I just don’t know what to do!" you are most likely trying to deserve His good gifts rather than simply trusting Him to give them to you freely.

Friend, stop wrestling with God. The more you struggle, the more you show you’re relying on your own strength rather than His. This stems from a lack of faith and He will not bless it.

"Only in returning to me and resting in me will you be saved. In quietness and confidence is your strength." ISAIAH 30:15

Yes, when He directs you to take a step or repent from sin, obey Him immediately. But stop trying to earn His love and the good gifts He’s planned for you. The Father wants to bless you even more than you want to be blessed. So stop striving and set your heart on Him. Surely He will lead you to life at its very best.

Father, thank You for being gracious to me. I will set my heart to trust You, amen.

In His presence . . . trust Him." (Stanley, Every Day in His Presence)

Do you ever struggle with letting go of your expectations, or your desire to know where the path will lead? I believe most Christ followers face this challenge every day. It's not with an impure heart that we ask the questions "What do you want me to do?", "Where do you want me to go", "Who do you want me to help". But, God knows our hearts. And when the answer doesn't come, God is wanting something even greater for you. He wants to fill you with Him! Not the satisfaction of serving Him...but the presence of the God of creation...your Heavenly Father who wants to be with you more than anything else. When you seek Him above everything else and trust Him to lead you at just the right time, only then will you experience true abundance, peace and joy, just as He promises.

By His grace...For His glory!

Dr. Jason