How Much Do You Trust God?

     Unfortunately, I haven't been able to write for the last couple of weeks.  I have missed writing, because it sharpens me to have to think about what to write.  In order to teach anything, you first have to learn.  For the last couple of weeks, I have had to take a break from reading to do a little "lab work" or "hands on training."  It is funny.  Just when you get comfortable with what you do know, God shows you even more that you don't know.  God has taught me some invaluable things in the last couple of weeks, but it is also nice to be back to my beloved book.

     In Chapter 5 of Experiencing God, by Henry and Richard Blackaby, so many insights about Moses are shared.  The story of Moses is one of my favorites, because Moses was not necessarily articulate, polished, or smooth.  He simply loved God and was obedient to God.  God took care of the rest.  He was offered a job with tremendous outcome and impact and from a worldly perspective may have been the least likely to be chosen for the job.  The lesson to be learned, however, is that God can do and accomplish anything through a willing servant.  I love the following paragraph from Experiencing God:

"When God asks you to do something you cannot do, you will face a crisis of belief.  You'll have to decide what you really believe about God.  Can He and will He do what He has said He wants to do though you?  Can God do the seemingly impossible through your ordinary life?  How you respond to His invitation reveals what you truly believe about God, regardless of what you say."

When I read this it hit me, "It isn't about me at all.  It is not about my skills, education, experience, or anything about me personally.  It is about how much I trust God."

     Later in the same chapter, Blackaby says, "To move from your way of thinking or acting to God's way of thinking or acting will require fundamental adjustments.  You can't stay where you are and go with God at the same time."

     The first time I read this, it made me trust God enough to go serve in an area of ministry that I didn't know much about.  I had to trust God every step of the way. At the time I was in my 30's.  Now I am in my 50's and my tendency is to desire safety and security.  I am a little less adventurous, but I need to stay open to whatever God is calling me to do next, even if it makes me feel less secure.  I have to say I admire my cousin.  She and her family just sold it all in obedience to what they feel God has called them to do.  Their earthly security is gone.  I am sure they feel inadequate at times, but I also know them well enough to know they trust God with it.  I look forward to seeing what God has planned for them.

     In terms of special needs ministry, I guess what stands out to me the most is to serve with open hands.  You never know who God wants you to touch and you never know who is going to touch you in a way that changes you forever.  There are so many people that have changed my perspective on life, people, and God.  If I hadn't had my "crisis of belief" I would have missed out on so much.  

     I think we all would agree that we shouldn't go to an amusement park and stand outside the gates watching all of the fun.  We shouldn't go to a church and just stand outside the door while people are inside growing and sharing community.  We also should not stand before God without experiencing who He is.  Get to know God, believe in Him, walk with Him, and enjoy everything He has planned for you!