When it’s Hard to Trust God
Scripture Reading — Genesis 15:1-6
Abram said, “Sovereign Lord, what can you give me since I remain childless and the one who will inherit my estate is Eliezer of Damascus?”
Despite having great faith, Abraham could be unsettled by nagging fears and doubts.
That is why, in the opening of Genesis 15, God says to him, “Do not be afraid. . . . I am your shield, your very great reward.” Abraham was struggling to believe. God’s promise to make him the father of a great nation was now about ten years old, and he and Sarai did not have a child.
We all know the pain of promises unfulfilled; they can leave an aching void in our hearts and homes. Perhaps we follow God’s call and step out in faith. We risk something for his kingdom, but we don’t see the hoped-for results. At times like that, it can be hard to keep trusting in God. Like the psalmist we cry out, “How long, Lord, how long?” (Psalm 6:3).
The good news is that God understands our doubts and fears. He graciously responds to the prayer that says, “Lord, I believe. Help me overcome my unbelief. Help me trust you more—even when I don’t see or understand your ways, even when it seems to be taking so long” (see Mark 9:24).
God explains that his ways are higher than we can imagine (Isaiah 55:9). And his timing is impeccable—never early, never late. Trusting in these truths allows us to experience God’s peace and rest.
Heavenly Father, calm our anxious minds and troubled hearts today. Help us to trust you completely with whatever is disturbing us. In the powerful name of Jesus we pray. Amen.
About the author — Dan Jongsma
Daniel Jongsma serves as an interim pastor in Fulton, Illinois. He has pastored congregations in Elmhurst and Fulton, Illinois; in Dearborn, Michigan; and in Nashville, Tennessee. Dan also served as a church planter in the Chicago area. He and his wife, Gloria, have three daughters and four grandchildren.
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