Trusting God when it’s Hard

Maria I. MorganBlog Archive, Understanding God's Character

Trusting God when it’s Hard


I love walking our Chesapeake, Joe, as part of my daily exercise routine. It’s fun getting outside, knowing Joe enjoys it as much as I do. But a brisk walk after he’s been fast asleep proves a bit challenging for our dog.

He’ll take his time checking out the neighbor’s yards and leave messages for their pets. Not uncommon. But he’s very tentative and lags behind when we head up the first hill. A little coaxing and encouragement and he usually picks up the pace.

It’s easy to get frustrated. I don’t understand why he’s hanging back when we’ve gone on this same walk a thousand times. Why doesn’t he trust me? Doesn’t he know I’ll take care of him?
 

My uncertainty


But don’t I do the same thing with my Heavenly Father? Sometimes I’m just as hesitant to follow Him although He’s proven Himself trustworthy too many times to count.

I remember the situation Abram faced when the Lord told him to leave his family, the place he lived, and all that was familiar. He was told to go to a land God would show him. Many blessings would follow, but Abram had a decision to make – stay where he was comfortable, or step out in faith and obey God, trusting Him for something better.

Abram made a good choice:

So Abram departed, as the Lord had spoken unto him…Genesis 12:4a; KJV

Fear & a plan


Things weren’t exactly easy as he traveled with his wife, Sarai, to Canaan. At one point there was a shortage of food. So Abram decided to make a detour into Egypt. As they got closer to the border, Abram got scared. Sarai was a good looking woman. He was sure the Egyptians would kill him so they could take his wife.

He came up with a plan and asked Sarai to play along:

Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee.
Genesis 12:13; KJV

Abram’s fear caused him to doubt God. God’s initial promises were probably forgotten. God may have brought him this far, but where was He when the food ran out? God may have kept him and Sarai safe to this point, but Abram must have thought there was no way to avoid death if he didn’t come up with a solution.

The faithful One


It’s easy to chide Abram for his lack of faith, but I’ve given into fear more often than I care to admit. The times I know I should tell someone about what the Lord has done in my life, but I don’t due to fear of rejection. When I stay where it’s comfortable instead of stepping out in faith.

There is encouraging news.

Life is a journey I don't walk alone - the Lord is with me every step of the way.

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Even when I fail. If you’re His child, the same is true for you.

It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.
Lamentations 3:22-23; KJV

The Lord can be trusted. He is merciful and compassionate. He is faithful.

Your turn


What has the Lord prompted you to do? Are you responding with fear or faith? What step will you take today to be obedient to Him?

Can I pray for you?

Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your faithfulness even when I'm unfaithful. You are so gracious. Forgive me for acting in fear rather than faith. Show me the next step I am to take and help me trust You and obey. In Jesus' name, amen.

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