Trust and Obey

"Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass" (Psalm 37:7).

Jesus said, "…every branch that beareth fruit, he purgeth it, that it may bring forth more fruit" (Jn 15:2). A branch on the vine "trusts and obeys" its master completely, resisting not while he goes about purging it to bring forth a bountiful harvest of fruits. Jesus himself is our best Example to emulate. How are we going to trust and obey in our daily lives?

How to Trust and Obey

God is almighty and full of wisdom. He knows the past, the present and certainly the future. He measures by eternity and never errs nor waivers. "Is any thing too hard for the LORD?" (Gen 18:14). Indeed, when the Israelites were in the wilderness, they learnt much about trusting in God. Out of nowhere, quails and manna arrived to feed everyone. "The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy" (Psa 103:8). "O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever" (Psa 136:1). "…for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust" (Matt 5:45). "But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us" (Rom 5:8). All these verses tell us one thing: God's love, power and wisdom encompass us. This is the base on which we build our trust and obedience.

When to Trust and Obey

We ought to give thanks during difficult times. "…the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD" (Job 1:21). "…What? shall we receive good at the hand of God, and shall we not receive evil?" (Job 2:10). This was Job's wonderful testimony during his trials when he suffered much. Job trusted and obeyed. Likewise, we should trust that the Lord has a plan for us. "… and in thy book all my members were written, which in continuance were fashioned, when as yet there was none of them" (Psa 139:16). Our heavenly Father even counted each strand of hair on our heads. Thus, even during trials, we should give thanks unto the Lord for we trust that it is the best for us.

We also ought to hold our peace when criticisms or sometimes misunderstandings arise. "Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him that judgeth righteously" (1 Pet 2:23). We read about how Mary held her peace when Martha "complained" to Jesus about her not helping out with the chores. She did likewise when criticized for anointing Jesus. However, Jesus commended what Mary had done, saying that it was "a good work". In our daily living, service and work, criticisms and misunderstandings are bound to happen. We should learn to hold our peace and show our trust and obedience in the Lord.

Let me end with an illustration. A famous surgeon had to operate on his wife. He felt unable to do it himself so he wanted to seek help from a fellow surgeon friend. His wife refused, saying gently to her husband, "I only trust you. I have no fear, why should you?" Indeed, when we trust our Lord, He is our help and we have no fears. Amen!

Adopted from Calvary B-P Church Encouragement Page