Trusting God

He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, "Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?" 

-Numbers 20:10

This verse was my devotional reading for today. To put it into context, the Israelites were stuck in the desert without water, understandably frustrated, thirsty and displaying the natural human tendency to blame figures of authority. So they came to Moses who had, by God's will, brought them out of slavery from Egypt and, obviously, they complained rather loudly to Moses.

"Why did you brings us up out of Egypt to this terrible place? It has no grain or figs, grapevines or pomegranates. And there is no water to drink." 

-Numbers 20:5

First thing to note I guess is that the people were so ready to go back to slavery, to go back to the devil they knew. God had promised a fertile land, flowing with "milk and honey" in exchange for faith but the people had no trust in Him to deliver them nor trust in Moses who spoke for Him. As a result, they were stuck in the desert to wander and wonder.

The thing is, I'm learning (a bit slowly) that God is always there to take you through life the best way. Part of that is to be ready for change and not afraid to go forth at the Lord's command. Jesus called on the fishermen:

"Come, follow me," Jesus said, "and I will make you fishers of men." 

-Matthew 4:19

Simon ("called Peter") and Andrew could have stuck to fishing fish. Now I have nothing against fishing, in fact I do enjoy hauling the poor creature by a hook in the mouth and landing it. Ah the joy. But Simon ("called Peter") and Andrew did not hesitate:

At once they left their nets and followed Him. 

-Matthew 4:20

And they became the first disciples. Now surely they had some thoughts of sticking to their old lives. Surely they worried of what the future held for them. But I do believe that they had such faith and trust in Jesus that they knew that whatever befell them, He would pull them through. Indeed, where would Christianity be without them and all the others who just believed in God and continued on through opposition, persecution and 'all the hard times'? They all believed in God. And that belief is what will get you (and me) through every trial.

But there's no denying that it is hard, so ingrained in the world are we that we strive automatically to be independent and self-sufficient. But in the times when you fail, and you're all alone with your failure. Independence is not a blessing nor an ability that will help you recover from the disappointment and eventual loneliness. There have been times when I just felt so left out, so disconnected, such a failure in my own right. No, I'm not making this up. And every time, just praying and letting myself trust in God dries the tears and lays peace upon my heart. As an additional bonus, sometimes the Bible smacks you in the face with things I ought to have learnt that might have stopped me from falling. It's quite amazing.

And God has never failed me. In all the hard times He is there, whether to support me, calm my anger, guide my words or supply me with a carpark when I wake up late. 

Ask and it will be given to you;...

-Matthew 7:7

All it takes is a little bit of faith just say a little prayer and to unlock the glory of God in your life. Trust in Him. Just a little. He does the wonders.

For all my words and praises to God, it does need to be understood that Christians are still human. We still make mistakes and are still subject in to human desires and temptations. That is all part of our walk with God. The only difference between 'non-believers' and 'believers' is that faith that God is there and He has the best plan for you. He doesn't ask any more than a simple belief in Jesus Christ and the words of the Bible.

Now the Scripture isn't an ultimatum. By no means is it an ultimatum in a "disobey and go to hell sense." We all have the choice to follow. But when the Word teaches you things like:

"But I tell you, Do not resist an evil person. If someone strikes you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also"

-Matthew 5:38

"Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."

-Luke 6:37

"Do not hate seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbour as yourself..."

-Leviticus 19:18

Are these words something any ordinary person should strive towards anyway? Yes? Well then all there is left is to believe that He is and always was watching over you in your heart and spirit calling you.

Learn from the Israelites who refused to truly believe and trust in the living God. He is there.

Move away from the devil and step out to the truth.

May you find the peace of God in your life.

Amen.