On the Edge of Trusting God

Jacob had good reason to be thankful. God delivered him from his brother’s wrath and blessed him with a large family. He acquired enough wealth to assure adequate security for a lifetime. Still, after witnessing God's presence and provision he hesitated to comply with God's directives.

 

          Have you ever stopped short of finishing God’s instructions for yourself and others? Stopping short may occur as you approach the edge of God’s plan and discover that there to greet you is a major distraction. The distraction could be fear or doubt or whatever stops you from completing what you know is right for you.

Sometimes we're willing to trust God up to the edge, but not beyond that point. Yet God's desire for us is to trust him completely, to go forward all the way and then to rest in his provision and safety. Remember to “trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you think you know. Remember the Lord God in everything you do, and he will show you the right way.” This is a great security investment that never loses its value.

Overcome Obstructions: Submit to God - Part 3

In Numbers 14 the Hebrew people refused to follow God's chosen plan to claim the promised land flowing with milk and honey. Time was of the essence! A decision had to be made and action taken to acquire God's blessing. I'm always amazed by predictable opposition to the clearest of God's directives.

          Were these people unaware they were accountable to God for their lack of submissiveness and to the reality that God's timing determines success or failure? Whatever the opportunity, giants, however they’re defined, will have to be subdued. The obstruction for the Hebrew people was a failure of faith that God would be with them and go before them to ensure victory.

          Listen as 1 John 5:4 gives us courage to step up to the plate and be submissive to God's leadership. "Everyone who is a child of God overcomes the world and our faith gives the victory that overcomes the world." To overcome means to subdue our fears and doubt and move forward in faith under the protection and presence Christ Jesus will provide.