How far will you go to make your dreams come true? That is the tagline of a movie we watched last night, and by the use of the word “make,” we should all smell trouble brewing. Probably because deep down inside, we know it’s not by our own works that the real dreams–the right dreams–of our lives become reality. We can’t make life do what we want. That’s God’s job. Do we trust him?
Most of us don’t end up in twisted murder plots pursuing worldly desires like we see in some Woody Allen films, but we might attempt to force, control or manipulate life into giving us what we want in other ways. Sometimes we don’t know we’re going astray with a new idea; we’re just feeling ambitious and driven. So the question is, what is driving us?
Where We Put Our Trust
There is a perfect calling for each of us, but the sway to do what we think is best for our lives versus what God knows is best for our lives proves challenging without faith. We might stay open as long as it’s convenient, but when our patience expires, we try making a few fast moves while no one watches. Are we climbing the world’s ladder of success, only to reach the top and realize it’s leaning against the wrong wall?
These five signs could signal a lack of trust in God:
1. You depend solely on that advice of others to determine which way to go with your life. (“Dear friends, do not believe everyone who claims to speak by the Spirit. You must test them to see if the spirit they have comes from God. For there are many false prophets in the world.” 1 John 4:1)
2. You think God has nothing to do with your daily life decisions. (“He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do.” John 6:6)
3. You consider crossing a line or justifying an action you wouldn’t normally touch. (“Don’t be afraid,” Moses answered them, “for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!” Exodus 20:20)
4. You compromse integrity for a “greater good.” (“Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith.” 2 Corinthians 13:5)
5. You take the credit rather than thank God. (“Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways!” Romans 11:33)
Go by Faith and Watch God Work
Outside of God, whatever we put our faith in will eventually come to an end. People die; careers fail; beauty fades; money runs out; reputations can be destroyed overnight. When we sit in the silence of our lives, we can feel a presence with us… watching, listening, waiting. God is forever and always; there is nothing and no one greater; his love never fails.
The answer to our success does not come by the mastermind schemes we drum up; it comes from dying daily to ourselves so God can do his work in us. We can start right now by asking God for forgiveness, recogizing that he has a greater plan for our lives–one beyond our human limitations–and trusting that he will guide our steps.
Let’s do what God wants for us, not what we want for us. Where do our own desires land us in the end?
As Paul writes in Romans 12:2: “Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God–what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect.”
{ 7 comments… read them below or add one }
I trust in God because he is the only one that can do what human being think is not possible and also he is my refuge and solicitator.
I trust God because – as you pointed out- there is nothing else at the end of the day that lasts – But Him. The temporal nature of all things is indisputable even for an athiest. I have an upcoming post that will explore that idea as well. God bless you!
Hmm. I struggle with this because I’m not convinced that God has a “perfect” calling for every body. Let me explain, God is fond of using us “in spite” of our many dumb decisions…that kills that idea for me right there. Was it God’s “perfect” plan for David to kill Uriah? Is it EVER God’s perfect plan when saints sin? Yet, He has committed Himself to us even in our distresses…He bore our iniquities, our griefs and our weaknesses. I know this is a sensitive issue for many Christians and I do NOT condone just going after the world with a careless “hey, in the end we can do whatever we want” attitude. That would be very ungracious and dishonoring to God in my opinion. Basically, I do think God does stand aloof of some of our daily decisions because as much as we need to trust Him, in a way, He has to let us be His imagers (as we carry on using the free will He endowed us with)…otherwise we’re just little robots. I think trusting God sometimes means taking wisely calculated risks, but risks nonetheless with life…too many Christians use the “calling” excuse to sit around and do nothing!!!
Jon — Have you considered asking God? Whenever I struggle with issues or feel unconvinced, I ask God directly and then stay open. It is amazing the way He communicates with us.
I agree that we have/use free will, and thank God He uses us in spite of our dumb decisions! If we’re called to do God’s work, we’re called to do God’s work… but that doesn’t mean we won’t stumble along the way. Being saved gives us a new life–we repent when we stumble, but we don’t seek to stumble. We keep our mind on heavenly things and move forward, dying to ourselves daily so God can do His great work. Amen!
In the Bible God called the most unlikely servants…fugitives (Moses), prostitutes (Rahab), old men (Abraham), the list goes on and on. Before becoming Abraham, Abram spoke with God and followed His call to go to Egypt, but he lied about his wife being his sister for protection; he did not fully trust in God at that point but continued forward to put his life in God’s hands. David trusted God and knew the law, but he still took Bathsheba and killed Uriah. He repented and was punished… and he continued forward trusting in God with his life.
Sin tries to rule us/tempt us at every turn. It requires vigilance, repentance, prayer… and trust in God. It is His spirit in us that gives us the courage and power to do the right thing in spite of our fears and reluctance.
Paul said, “And I know that nothing good lives in me, that is, in my sinful nature. I want to do what is good, but I don’t. I don’t want to do what is wrong, but I do it anyway. But if I do what I don’t want to do, I am not really the one doing wrong; it is sin living in me that does it.” (Romans 7:18-20).
In our daily life decisions, I believe God is there with us. We make choices, yes, but we can consult God at every turn and pray for guidance and protection from that which seeks to make us stumble. What God wants for us is not always what we want for us, and so sometimes we try to run from God. He is patient with us; He knows His sheep and welcomes us back with open arms.
i just need a help to controll my anger,my egos and to dought others,i’ve tried so hard to overcome these troubles but was helpless,i often believed,god would guide me the right way and there would be no harm but the aspects were negative,could any of you followers help me out with these problems,im so fade up of my life.plz save me from harm.MAY GOD FORGIVE ME FOR MY SINS.
Hi Sushant, blessings.
The first thing that comes to mind is that it’s not by our works that we overcome sin that lives and works in us. I used to struggle with some temptations and tried endlessly to change on my own… for me it was impossible. I prayed over and over for God to pull these things from my life — by the roots. Now I’m noticing that some old temptations are completely gone. Some are still there, but to a lesser degree. This has been VERY encouraging. It didn’t happen overnight for me, but each of our experiences is different.
When you feel angry, prideful or doubtful, in that moment, ask God into your heart “in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord.” Pray that you decrease so He can increase in you. This helps me.
Do you read the Bible? You may find Romans particularly helpful — the Living Word works miracles in our lives. Realize that this is not a war against each other… it’s not against flesh and blood. Evil works in us and others to draw out the negative. When evil has established well-built strongholds, we must turn to God to fight the spiritual battle. We have to ask Him for help and trust Him.
Pray that God protects you during these struggles. Ask the Lord for forgiveness. We must die to ourselves over and over and over again every day. And you may feel tempted to think you’re fed up, but know that thought is not coming from God. In 2 Timothy 1:1-7, Paul writes: “For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.”
You might like the book The Life You’re Fighting For: Strength and Stamina to Win Your Spiritual Battles.
I’m praying for you Sushant!
HI Jenifer,
Thank u for your suggestion and blessings,though i have been following God jesus and thanking him for each and every moments of good happenings and appologizing for every mistakes i have been making,apart from that i have been his good child i believe,but the thing is why do i have to make mistakes again and again,knowingly even if that is going to harm me. infact doubting makes me do that,i dought a lot not on my capability but the person i love the most and owe something, i cant see her gone.
anyway jenifer i thank you for all those suggestion and wish if god would erase all your temptation too.
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