Have you ever had to participate in any team building activities? If you’ve ever been to a work conference or weekend retreat, then you know what I’m talking about. You walk blindfolded through a “minefield” of objects using only the instructions of your teammates on the sideline for direction. Or you work together to build some kind of puzzle structure or catapult or pushcart. Probably the most classic team building activity is the “trust fall.” It only takes two people, the person in front puts their arms out to the sides and falls back into the hopefully ready and waiting arms of their partner. It can be scary to fall through the air while not positive whether or not you’re going to land flat on your back. You better really trust your partner.
When God tests his children, it’s a lot like a trust fall. He’s asking us to trust Him— to have faith that He will catch us; to have faith that the LORD will provide. Remember, He doesn’t ask us to go through with the trust fall to see whether we actually will trust Him to catch us. He does it to remind us that He always will!
So often we fail to trust even God’s clear-cut and simple commands. Sometimes we’re just lazy. “Staying in bed would be so much easier than going to church…” “Watching another episode of my show would be a lot easier than getting out my devotion book tonight…” Sometimes we think that we know better. “We should have sex before marriage, that way we know if we’re compatible…” “We shouldn’t give an offering this week, we’re running out of money…”
No one has ever been harmed from going to church too much. No soul has ever been damaged from hearing too much from God’s Word. No marriage has ever been ruined by waiting to have sex. No one has ever gone bankrupt from giving too much to God. True faith trusts that the LORD will provide. He already provided for our greatest need by sending His Son to be the atoning sacrifice for our sins. How much more will He continue to provide for us in the promises and commands of His Word. Abraham’s trust—his faith that the LORD would provide was immediate.
Lord God, grant me Abraham-like trust in Your Word and promises. Amen. |
