The young man looked at me in wide-eyed fear. He could climb no further. “What happens,” he cried, “if I fall off the rock?” “The problem isn’t falling; the problem is hitting the ground,” I said, smiling. He sent an accusing stare in my direction.
I continued. “You’re attached to a safety rope directly to me. You can’t fall, because I have a tight hold on you.” The student needed to overcome his fear by realizing that I was telling him the truth and that his feelings were misleading.
An angel once greeted Gideon as a “mighty hero” and declared that God was with him (Judges 6:12). Gideon felt anything but mighty (he was hiding at the time), and his entire nation was under the oppression of the Midianites. Indeed, it looked as if God had deserted Israel (Judges 6:11-13).
Sometimes God speaks to His people in ways that seem to make no sense—at least at first. He tells us that “overwhelming victory is ours though Christ” (Romans 8:37). Do you feel like a victor? Perhaps your current situation is far different than what God described in Matthew’s gospel: “My yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give you is light” (Matthew 11:30). In times like these, it’s vital for us to trust in who God is, and to cling to the hope that His Word is true.
At times, our feelings and circumstances might cause us to tremble and fear. That’s understandable. A first-time rock climber will likely feel insecure while perched on a wall of stone, but his instructor knows the newbie climber is safe. Why? Because he knows the reality of the situation and—much like God working in our challenges—that provision and protection are in place.
You can trust Him, for “the LORD is with you” (Judges 6:12).
NLT 365-day reading plan passage for today: John 20:24–21:14
More:
Read Genesis 15:1-6 to see how Abraham responded to God in what seemed to be a hopeless situation.
Next:
How will your life change if you ask God to define who you are and to bring reality to your circumstances? What do you need to trust God for today?
Gary Shultz on October 1, 2014 at 6:10 am
Yes, we can certainly trust God. I am also willing to bet that a person you climb with often gives little thought to falling because they have grown to trust safe ways and safe ropes. Deep relationships bring deep trust, that’s what I try to work on. Thanks newbie ODJ Blogger, we’ll trust there will be more.
russell fralick on October 1, 2014 at 11:00 am
Thanks Gary! You are right on the money with that: the more time we spend with God, the more we know Him and how trustworthy He is. I love that our God cannot be unfaithful.
Winn Collier on October 1, 2014 at 1:54 pm
I think fear drives much of our world these days. It’s good to be reminded that there’s another way.
russell fralick on October 1, 2014 at 3:08 pm
You are so right Winn. Even in our Christian lives I feel the church corporately often lives in a reactive way, based on fear, rather than the proactive ways demonstrated by Jesus in His life. Paul also seems to be almost constantly exhorting us to live in that dynamic, trusting relationship that brings both peace and victory.
emyyq7 on November 1, 2014 at 4:07 am
Thank you! This lifted my spirit up, being reminded that God defines who I am, no matter how insignificant I sometimes perceive myself to be.
I might be a nobody in the world’s eyes, but definitely a somebody in His eyes!