Trust in the LORD with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take. (Proverbs 3:5–6)
How many times as a child did you hope for something impossible? No matter how improbable, you were absolutely convinced that what seemed impossible would happen. But now as an adult, you are probably much more guarded about what you hope for.
“Trustfulness is based on confidence in God whose ways I do not understand.” —Oswald Chambers
God is pleased when we trust him and live our lives relying on his faithfulness. But that is a process that develops over time as our knowledge of him increases, and we repeatedly experience his loving care. However, it is not without struggle. Our human nature is constantly urging us to depend on what we can see, touch, and feel. Meanwhile, the Spirit encourages us to believe what God has told us and act accordingly.
The apostle Paul instructs us to “live by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7, NIV). But what does that really mean?
When we received Christ as our Savior and Lord, it was through an act of spiritual faith. We heard the gospel, responded to God’s invitation for salvation, believed it to be true, and then, through an act of our will, reached out to God to accept his offer, even though it was not discernible by our five senses.
Colossians 2:6 tells us “So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him” (NIV).
Continuing to live our lives in him means trusting in him and his character. Because he is trustworthy, we are to believe what he reveals to us with confidence. Then we can follow through on our trust in God and our belief in his word, by taking the appropriate action. As we persevere in doing what God has told us, we will see the fulfillment of what he has promised.
Maybe you are at a point in your journey where you are facing a major challenge. Perhaps you have a string of disappointments in your past. With your natural sight, the situation may seem hopeless. But put on your spiritual glasses. Look at the amazing abilities of your heavenly Father and how much he loves you. Then choose to trust him for the impossible.