April 27, 2020
Good Morning Friends of Elbridge Community Church
Yesterday we talked about the fact that God uses trial or trying times to test our Faith, not because He needs to know, it is for our own good. God wants us to evaluate our faith to see if there are some needed updates.
Learning through trials
In the midst of a humbling trial, we quickly, realize that we can’t face the hardest moments of life alone. Trials present opportunities to trust that the Lord knows what he is doing, is in control, and is working all things for our good. Looking for the hand of God in hardship is difficult. However the truth of Scripture is one way we can learn through trials.
Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Prov 3:5-6 (NIV)
Learning to trust God is one of the most difficult lessons we will ever learn. It is difficult to learn because it requires us to go through trials. Today I would like to share with you four steps that will help you to trust the lord.
Don’t depend on you
The term that Solomon used is, lean not on your own understanding. Most of us have faced disappointments, which have taught us that we can only depend upon ourselves. But living the life God has called us to means unlearning that lesson. Instead, we are meant to rest in God’s understanding. But sometimes trusting Him completely like that can be tough. So, each day we must consciously lay aside our own plans and expectations and surrender to His plans.
Cry out to God and acknowledge Him
When we pray, we admit that His ways are higher than ours. We show that we are leaving our troubles and burdens and dreams in His capable hands. In fact, the Bible promises that when we reach out to Him in prayer, He hears us.
Evening, morning, and noon I cry out in distress, and he hears my voice. Psalm 55:17
Run from evil
So much in this world can clutter up our relationship with God. John, the writer of the fourth gospel, describes them as the desires of the flesh, the lusts of the eyes, and the pride in our lives. In other words, our blessings can easily become our stumbling blocks when we think of them as what we deserve or what we need to be happy. Instead, life works best when we remember the true source of our blessings – God, and focus on the things that please Him.
Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. Proverbs 3:7
Put God first in your life
It’s easiest to put ourselves first. When something good happens, we want to congratulate ourselves with a reward. When something bad happens, we want to console ourselves or find someone to blame.
And when it comes to money, the struggle is even harder. But Solomon, who had quite a bit of wealth himself, knew that his money didn’t belong to him.
Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the first fruits of all your crops; then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine. Proverbs 3:9–10
If we can trust God with the first of our wealth, we are truly showing how much we depend on Him.
Sometimes trusting God isn’t easy, in fact it is one of the most difficult prayers you will ever pray. If you pray that God will create trust in you, He will bless you as you go through difficult times.
God Bless you,
Pastor Dennis