I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.
Galatians 2:20
The following question is from my February 19th devotional: “Rate your trust in Jesus on a scale of 0-10, with 0 representing no trust at all, and 10 representing total trust.”
In the devotional, written by Patrick Morley, Mr. Morley relates faith to driving a race car. When you first get into a new car you are very careful because you don’t trust how the car is going to handle. The more time you spend with the car, the more you come to trust it. The same is true with being a disciple. As you spend time with Jesus you will learn His ways, and you will find yourself trusting Him more and more. Paul spent time “hanging out” with Jesus in community with other believers. As Paul says in the above verse, he learned to “live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me.” Paul had passed from knowing to believing – living by faith – because he spent time with Jesus and found Him to be trustworthy.
I wondered if I trusted Jesus completely would I take on so many things? I guess it would depend on why I am taking them on. I should be sure to pray before saying yes to any new project or task. Of course prayer is one thing, listening for and accepting the answer is another.
I had a men’s ministry event coming up the next day. The number of people who knew about the event was huge – the number who signed up was 2. Did I trust that Jesus will fill the event? No. Did I trust that His plan would be accomplished? Yes.
I was afraid the event would not be a success, but there was a peace in me that can only come from God. So I knew that through the Holy Spirit His will was going to be accomplished.
So my answer to Pat Morley’s question on how I rate my trust in Jesus, in this instance, is 8.
So was the event a success? Most definitely. I strengthened the relationship I had with the 2 men who had signed up, but a third man attended because his church is very interested in what I can offer.
Two weeks later I became painfully aware that I had meetings every night during the coming week. For the past 6 months I was making sure I would be home spending time with my family at least 3 nights during the week, in addition to most of Saturday and all of Sunday. The stress began to build. I prayed all day Sunday for God’s guidance. Monday morning during my prayer and devotion time these words started going through my mind over and over; “Feed My sheep, build My kingdom, do everything to the glory of the Father.”
When I get overwhelmed, I tend to do things just to get them done. What Jesus was telling me was just do what He had called me to do. He would take care of me. My trust that week, and from then on, will be a 10. The week turned out great.
Now I ask you… rate your trust in Jesus on a scale of 0-10, with 0 representing no trust at all, and 10 representing total trust. Be honest…God knows your heart. If you are not at 10, how can you move closer to a “10”? Consistently attend church on Sunday, get involved in a couple of corporate (group) bible studies per week, read your Bible and devotions every day, and pray and talk to God all day every day.
And He summoned the crowd with His disciples, and said to them, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross and follow Me. Mark 8:34
The Lord bless you, and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance on you, and give you peace. Numbers 6:23-26
