As a pastor, I've seen many people struggle with faith in the face of uncertainty and chaos. It's natural to question and doubt when circumstances contradict our understanding of God's promises. However, I believe that trust plays a crucial role in navigating these challenges. When we come to know God and His character through Scripture, prayer, and experience, we begin to develop a deeper sense of trust in Him. This trust is not blind, but rather it's based on the assurance that God is faithful and true, even when we can't see the outcome.
As I reflect on my own life and ministry, I've come to realize that trust is not something that we either have or we don't. Rather, it's a muscle that needs to be exercised and strengthened through the ups and downs of life. When we face uncertainty and chaos, we have a choice to make. We can either let fear and doubt consume us, or we can choose to trust in God's goodness and sovereignty. As Hebrews 11:1 reminds us, faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. It's not a wishful thinking, but rather a trust in a person, God Himself, based on the fact that we take Him at His word.
In terms of human relationships, I've found that trust grows as we get to know someone better. When we see a pattern of life that warrants trust, we're more likely to place our trust in that person. Similarly, our trust in God grows as we come to know Him better through His Word, prayer, and experience. When we understand His character and nature, we're more likely to trust in His goodness and sovereignty, even when circumstances contradict our understanding. As I've seen in my own life and ministry, trust is not something that we either have or we don't. Rather, it's a choice that we make every day, and it's a choice that can be strengthened through the exercise of faith and trust in God.