Have you ever participated in those games where you need to exercise complete trust in another person? It’s falling back straight, arms crossed, and trusting someone to catch you. It’s attempting the human-table challenge. Even though there’s a small element of risk, it’s meant to be a bit exciting and fun. I was able to experience a few such bursts of adrenaline rush on my holiday over the summer travelling around Taiwan with my friend. We aren’t the greatest planners, so there were a few hiccups along the way. The language barrier also didn’t help.
The most extreme case was definitely trusting our driver when he unexpectedly told us to get out in the middle of an empty field and switch to another vehicle already waiting for us with a different driver halfway through our journey.
The example I provided above is not something I recommend as a norm since it was a bit of a 50/50 gamble – getting to our intended destination, or being trafficked in a foreign land. It was risky because we did not know whether the person we were putting our trust in was actually trustworthy (fortunately he was).
peace that comes in trusting our loving heavenly Father
So, what’s the takeaway from that story? I’m thankful that with God, it’s never a gamble. We can always be sure that he is 100% trustworthy all of the time.
From our limited human perspective, life can seem pretty random. We can find it hard to make sense of our circumstances, and when we need to make choices, often base it on “tangible” things that we can see and calculate to ensure a positive outcome. There’s nothing wrong with that, but what about “impossible” situations when things are just simply out of your control? Or to push it even further, when the more gracious and obedient thing to do is to relinquish control to God and trust in him to carry out his will?
Reading Genesis 13, I was really challenged by how Abram openly offered to let Lot choose which land he wanted first and was willing to take the “leftover”. Furthermore, it was encouraging to see that even though by appearances Lot got the better deal, Abram ultimately received the greater blessing through God’s promise to him. In his obedience to God and graciousness to Lot, Abram proved the point that you cannot outgive God.
I don’t know about you, but I hate relinquishing control. I want to call the shots and know what’s going to happen beforehand. However, in God’s wisdom and kindness, he humbles his people so that we can enjoy the peace that comes in trusting our loving heavenly Father to look after us.
Is there something you’re anxious about in life right now?
My prayer for our church family is that we would all be eager to boldly trust in our generous God to be more gracious and obedient in the choices we make in our lives.
