The world is changing. The ways we connect, work, and play are changing. This includes how we do or don’t do church. We need knowledge, tools, and skills to “BE” the church in this new reality.
In this blog, we share more of the why, what, and how of "being" the church according to Jesus. This week, we focus on how to really trust Jesus.
Transcript - to How really trust jesus
Welcome to “Be the Church.”
To trust Jesus or not to trust him is our focus in this article.
Let's say I’m having a life-giving conversation with Jesus.
I disarmed to open my soul to him.
I focused on one simple command and heard what Jesus wants me to do. An example would be, “Bill, you need to de-prioritize sports and value our conversation by saying ‘no’ to sports until we’ve talked each day.”
Then I told Jesus my opinions, concerns, and expectations. The truth is, a lot of the time I’d rather read sports articles than talk to Jesus. And it’s not just sports. Other activities like work, home projects, family, friends, and entertainment can and do take priority over my connection with God. It always comes down to a choice in the moment.
Am I going to trust God and surrender to his best for me, or am I going to do my own thing?
Why is it so hard for us to trust God and stay plugged into the source of life?
Paul states,
“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 (ESV)
Even when circumstances are awful, because God is good and powerful, he is able to make things ultimately good. But we still don’t trust, and the consequences are not pleasant.
So, I’m going about my business one day, and I sense that God wants to have a conversation. I'm busy. I don't have time right now. “Let's do this later,” I say to myself.
And this response becomes a pattern. My sense of peace is replaced with anxiety, and my ability to love is diminished. I start to doubt God's goodness and greatness. I begin looking to others to meet the needs only God can meet.
I need my wife, co-workers, friends, everyone I know to somehow fill me with peace and love.
“You guys have to come through for me! Please! Be what I need you to be!”
But I could choose to trust God.
So, I’m going about my business one day, and I sense that God wants to have a conversation. And I think, “I'm busy. I don't have time right now. Let's do this later.” But I choose to trust God to know what’s best, so I switch my attention to Jesus and talk with him.
And this response becomes a pattern. My sense of peace doesn't waver, and my ability to love is expanded. My trust in God's goodness and greatness grows. My spiritual needs are met when connected to Jesus.
Instead of needing something from everyone I know. I have the capacity to love them.
I will serve them out of God’s peace and power flowing through me. I will become what Jesus needs me to be for them.
But this only happens when I choose to trust and surrender to God.
Say this with me.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
“Jesus, please do whatever it takes to get our attention and invite us to life-giving conversations with you so that we can obey by trusting. Amen.”
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Up Next: How to Obey Jesus
As you begin to trust Jesus with your life, remember that this will likely create a domino effect of benefits that you would never have imagined before stepping out in faith. Be bold! And keep trusting!