“And we have such trust through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God.” 2 Corinthians 3:4-5

 Such Trust

 “And we have such trust through Christ toward God…”

This statement caught my full attention this morning.

As believers, we have chosen to place our trust in Jesus. We attempt to live our lives as Christians trusting His Word and the leading of the Holy Spirit to raise our families, be in relationship with others, manage our jobs and ministries, and be in community. Trust can so often be assumed or quickly passed over as believers. Of course, we trust Jesus, or what are we all doing here?

I was challenged this morning to evaluate my trust in God a little further. I asked Him to show me where I am lacking “such trust” in Him. Show me where I can press into His sufficiency, walk more boldly and confidently in His purposes rather than my own understanding or ability.

He immediately brought to mind a relationship in my life that feels impossible. It has me overthinking, desperately trying to control the environment to prevent disaster, has me planning ten steps ahead as to avoid certain outcomes, and has me reminding God of the details so He understands the relationship more fully and can answer my prayers “appropriately.” I sat and talked with God about my lack of “such trust.”

I took time to confess, to be honest about my fear and need to feel in control. I confessed my mustard seed faith that I would be able to manage this impossible relationship and how inept I feel.

With further study this morning, I was reminded of some incredible examples of fully trusting God with impossible situations.

-Elijah’s FULL confidence was in God when he called fire down on Mt. Carmel against the Baals.

-Gideon’s FULL confidence was in God when he went into battle against the Midianites with 300 men.

-Esther’s FULL confidence was in God when she boldly stepped into her role as queen and saved her people from the snares of Haman’s decree.

What do we know about the successes of these leaders? That His grace is sufficient. It was not Elijah, Gideon, or Esther’s intelligence, power, resources, or abilities. It was their trust and obedience that opened the floodgates for God’s power, provision, and magnificent overflow without reserve. As Ephesians 3:20 says, “to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine.”

So rather than sink into defeat or hyper-control in whatever situation we are finding ourselves lacking trust today, let us listen and receive His Word. Then take a confident and obedient step forward…and let Him do the rest. He WILL, by His grace, give us exactly what we need to tackle what He has called us to this day.

Father God, thank You for Your Word. Thank You, Jesus, that we can FULLY trust You. Thank You, Holy Spirit, that You lead us so delicately to the source of mistrust and yet so powerfully to healing, confidence, empowerment, and direction. Continue to grow our faith and understanding of You so we can walk in FULL trust and confidence in You. Help us to walk boldly and confidently in every circumstance – whether a mundane daily task or significant life change. Help us believe You and proclaim You as we step forward in obedience and trust, knowing that we are not sufficient ourselves, but our sufficiency is from You. Father, take the very thing that is on each of our hearts, move mountains, and work it out for Your purpose and to Your glory. Transform our hearts and minds through Your Word today! In Your Name, Amen.