This is part 5 of a 5-part series. View the entire series here.
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. – Hebrews 13:8 NLT
Many well-meaning Christians often talk about trusting God like it’s easy—and to be sure, trusting Him when life is going according to plan and everyone you love is safe and healthy, when you don’t really have anything testing that trust, is easy.
But what about all the other times? When your wife receives a diagnosis or you lose your job or your boyfriend breaks up with you or your daughter is getting bullied at school? How are we supposed to trust God in the moments when we look around at the world and all we see is senseless tragedy?
In the Old Testament, the primary way the Israelites kept hold of their trust in God in difficult times was by reminding themselves of how He had been faithful in the past. In 1 Samuel, after the Israelites defeat the Philistines in battle, Samuel sets up a memorial to honor God’s victory. “Samuel then took a large stone and placed it between the towns of Mizpah and Jeshanah. He named it Ebenezer (which means ‘the stone of help’), for he said, ‘Up to this point the LORD has helped us!’” (1 Samuel 7:12 NLT).
God is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The God who gave His people victory countless times amidst the most hopeless circumstances is the same God who’s watching over your life, guiding your steps, and loving you despite all your shortcomings.
We can be sure that at some point (or, more likely, many points) in our lives, our trust in God will be put to the test, and it won’t be easy or pleasant. What we do in those situations is incredibly important, because it bolsters our own faith and it shows others how faithful He is. Our trust in the living God who never fails is contagious; every time we put our hope in Him and He comes through for us, others get to see and experience what a good God He is.
So when you find yourself in moments of uncertainty, call to mind all the ways God has shown up for you in the past, in big or small ways. Write them down so you can always return to them when you’re discouraged. Turn to His Word, which promises that “‘the LORD who rescued [you] from the claws of the lion and the bear will rescue [you] from this Philistine!’” (1 Samuel 17:37 NLT).
Though life is filled with uncertainties and hard seasons, though it often feels like we have very little reason to hope or believe good things for our future, one thing is always certain: No matter what your “Philistine” is, you can rest in the truth that God will rescue you.
He loves us, He’s with us, and He’s working things out according to His perfect will and timing. “See, God has come to save me. I will trust in Him and not be afraid. The LORD GOD is my strength and my song; He has given me victory” (Isaiah 12:2 NLT
