Thursday, December 3, 2009

Trusting God

An insightful observation was given at our "pot-luck" service last week. Why is it easier to trust and depend on God during hard times than in times of abundance? As I reflect on this observation I am struck at the need we have to put ourselves in places where we must trust in God. In times of hardship, we must trust in God – we have no other option! In times of plenty we must step outside of our comfort zone and trust God for things only he can do.

I am reminded of a great man of faith - George Mueller. In his lifetime Mueller established 5 orphanages and cared for over 10,000 orphans. And this he did to glorify God for His faithfulness. In Mueller's words:

"The three chief reasons for establishing an Orphan-House are: 1. That God may be glorified, should He be pleased to furnish me with the means, in its being seen that it is not a vain thing to trust in Him; and that thus the faith of His children may be strengthened. 2. The spiritual welfare of fatherless and motherless children. 3. Their temporal welfare."

John Piper, in his autobiographical sermon on George Mueller, brings the point out:

"That was the chief passion and unifying aim of Mueller's ministry: live a life and lead a ministry in a way that proves God is real, God is trustworthy, God answers prayer. He built orphanages the way he did to help Christians trust God. He says it over and over again"

This is a challenge for our church and for each of us to be willing to do hard things and go to hard places that we may experience the faithfulness and dependability of God. And in doing so, we commend His faithfulness and dependability to a world that is both cynical and searching!

So – where will that journey take you?

The well wisher of your soul's happiness,

Pastor Tom

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