Why Trusting God Is Impactful to Our Lives
One thing I love about living in New York City is that when friends, family, and acquaintances visit, I am usually one of the first people to know about it. Now, for some, this may be an inconvenience, but I count it as an opportunity for connection.
Recently, a friend came to town and wanted to see some of my favorite spots, so I took him to my favorite Korean BBQ place in Koreatown. After bypassing the contemplation of a B rating on the front window (after all, New Yorkers pay no mind to this) and once we ordered, we began to catch up, exchanging stories and lessons from life’s ups and downs. Out of nowhere, he looked at me and said, “Stephen, you’ve really changed.”
This could have been interpreted in two ways: I have gone in the wrong direction, or I have been changed for the better. (I am convinced it is the latter.)
I am confident that each and every one of us would love to be a better version of ourselves, whether short term or in the long run. As believers, this is especially true when we consider the impact of the life and resurrection of Jesus not only for our eternal lives but for our freedom in this one.
So, how do we embrace the change we want to see when life’s inconsistent valleys and mountain tops threaten to take the very breath out of our lungs? I believe it comes down to one essential practice in our walks as Christ’s disciples: trust.
Together, let's look at three ways trusting God can impact our lives.
3 Ways Trusting God Will Impact Your Life
We live in an age that prioritizes self-care, albeit through counseling, breathing techniques, or general activities that fill our cups. While these things can have transformative effects, there is something holy and unique about trusting God that can transform you in the innermost part of your soul, heart, and mind.
God can do the miraculous through our grief, our weaknesses, and in every part of our lives if we only put our trust in Him.
Trusting God in Our Grief
Grief can be found in many ways. It is how we process the loss of a loved one, a dream, or an expectation we may have had for our lives or relationships that turned out to be anything but. And sometimes, the grief we sit through isn’t something that happened to us but rather something we have done. Maybe you have hurt someone you love or are struggling through an addiction you can’t seem to find victory in.
Even though times of grief often lead us to the question, “God, if you are so good, why am I in this difficult situation?” it also leads us to a choice.
Sitting in your grief gives you two options with God. You can either walk away from God, resolute that He is not who He says He is, or you come to God ready to wrestle with Him in the midst of everything you’ve been through. This can be extremely difficult, yet, at the same time, those willing to wrestle with God come out on the other side with a sense of resolve and understanding of who He is.
“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”
Romans 8:28, NIV
Tragedy is not something we are exempt from, but victory in Jesus is something that happens when you put your trust in Him. To encounter that in your life requires surrender to God and hard work in trusting that His purpose is greater than anything we can plan.
In God’s hands, nothing is wasted. As we embrace the hardship in our lives, we must remember that not everything that happens to us is good, but everything that happens can be used for good.
Trusting God Will Raise Us to Greatness
Are you someone who finds safety and security in a well-thought-out plan?
If so, you are in good company because I, too, thrive when things are clear and scheduled according to how I want them to be. And just as I am a stickler to how things should go, God sure has been teaching me that His way is always best.
Many of you may be experiencing God calling you outside of the plan you have for your life, and it is making you extremely uncomfortable. Not only was it not your plan, but you didn’t have the details that gave you peace about it. Take heart; God may be calling you to step into a story greater than yourself!
“You are the salt of the earth, But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:13-16, NIV
How is God calling you to be the salt of the earth and a light to the world?
Maybe it is serving with an organization to serve those who are hungry. Perhaps it could be spending time talking with a neighbor. Ask God to show you how you can partner with Him in reflecting His love to those around you.
How we live is not just a benefit to us personally, but as we trust God with our calling, we can change the world.
Trusting God in All Things Will Transform Your Life in All Ways
We live in an age that can seem like science fiction to those who have come before us.
We order our coffee on an app while bypassing waiting in line or talking to anyone.
We pay for our groceries through self-checkout computers.
We use Amazon services to order anything we want, which will arrive at our door the next day.
And while these things are very convenient, we have become highly impatient and entitled.
But did you know that even with these advancements, God has not changed? He is still the God of waiting. God remains immovable in this way because He is transforming our lives, hearts, and minds during our seasons of waiting. He is molding us into the person He wants us to be.
“Let us not grow weary in well-doing, for in due time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”
Galatians 6:9, NIV
There are things in your life that God will give you, but you must be patient and let Him complete His perfect work in you. Be encouraged; God is making you into the person who can handle His promise.
May we learn to wait well as God develops our hearts to embrace all the ways He will transform our lives.
How Do You Acknowledge His Promises?
Let’s face it; trusting someone you do not know can be hard.
But, when you understand who God is, and you hear the promises He has for you – the way He loves you and the things He has prepared- you can have weight in the sense that wherever He is leading, you can trust it is good.
“’For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found in you,’ declares the Lord.”
Jeremiah 29:11-14, NIV
Whether in a season of waiting or grief of the unknown, know that wherever you are, you can encounter the Savior in the midst of your situation.
Trust in His promises. Seek Him in all things. And watch how He flourishes your faith.
For more on trusting God, check out Pastor Stephen’s sermon, Good News; Great Joy: The Wait is Over.
