Pastor Rebecca Malmin brings a helpful and encouraging message.
Reasons We May Not Trust God
1. God often waits until the last minute, we start to doubt.
For the word of the LORD is right and true; He is faithful in all He does. Psalm 33:4
2. We assign human attributes to God.
It is better to take refuge in the LORD than to trust in humans. Psalm 118:8
3. We feel, “He’s not going to do it this time.”
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
Hebrews 13:8
4. We give fear and anxiety a place.
“If you love me, obey my commands.” John 14:15
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22
Reasons We Don’t Obey God
1. We don’t want to.
1 Samuel 15
2. Idolatry (Worship of anything other than God)
3. We think He’ll ask us to do something we don’t want to do.
“I am the good shepherd. I know My own and My own know Me.”
John 10:14
4. Sometimes obedience hurts.
While Jesus was here on earth, he offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the one who could rescue him from death. And God heard his prayers because of his deep reverence for God. Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.
– Hebrews 5:7
Rewards of Trust and Obedience:
1. Peace
You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in You. Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD, the LORD Himself, is the Rock eternal. – Isaiah 26:3-4
2. He will strengthen & uphold you.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with My righteous right hand”
-Isaiah 41:10
3. He will show you what to do.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Don’t depend on your own understanding. Seek His will in all you do and he will show you which path to take. – Proverbs 3:5-6
4. His love will be with you.
Many are the woes of the wicked, but the LORD’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in Him. – Psalm 32:10
5. He will act on our behalf.
Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will act. – Psalm 37:5
6. He will bless us.
Blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.
– Jeremiah 17:7
7. Your children and others will be blessed.
How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands. Their children will be successful everywhere, an entire generation of godly people will be blessed. – Psalm 112:1
8. It will bring us joy.
Those who listen to instruction will prosper; those who trust the Lord will be joyful. – Proverbs 16:20
9. We will prosper and live longer.
Walk in obedience to all that the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live and prosper and prolong your days in the land that you will possess. – Deuteronomy 5:33
We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose. – Romans 8:38
How do we increase our trust and obedience?
1. Pray and ask the Holy Spirit to show you where you are not trusting or obeying.
2. Repent and ask for His forgiveness.
3. Ask God for help.
4. Memorize scripture to build your faith and to know God better.
5. When you’re struggling, ask other believers for help.
6. When you have an opportunity to trust or obey God, do it!