Post updated 8/7/16
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 might 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.
Do we start with God?
We might attempt to force, control or manipulate life into giving us what we want. Maybe 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?
Are we more swayed to follow what we think is best for our lives versus trusting God’s will and plan? Are we leaning into our faith?
Perhaps we stay open as long as it’s convenient, but when our patience expires, we try making a few fast moves while no one watches. We spend time climbing the world’s ladder of success, only to reach the top and realize it’s leaning against the wrong wall.
4 Signs You’re Not Trusting God
1. You depend solely on the advice of others to determine which way to go with your life.
Are you trusting in the advice of others, even if it doesn’t feel right in your heart? Or maybe you get swept up in an idea without giving it thought and prayer (and time). If you’re struggling with this, these Bible verse could help focus your heart:
- “Delight yourself in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him, and he will act. He will bring forth your righteousness as the light, and your justice as the noonday.” (Psalm 37:4-6)
- “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.” (Matthew 6:33)
- “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28)
2. You think that if a person doesn’t hear or see what you’re doing, neither does God.
First, we’re told in a variety of ways that God already knows the thoughts that drift through our minds and hearts. For example Luke 12:2 says, “Nothing is hidden that will not be revealed, and nothing is secret that will not be made known.” So if you realize that your thoughts are not a secret to God, and you want to welcome him into those places with you, these verses could help:
- “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me” (Psalm 51:10)
- “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)
- “In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” (Proverbs 3:6)
3. You consider crossing a line you wouldn’t normally cross or justifying an action you wouldn’t normally justify.
This could be an early warning sign for us to proceed with caution. It reminds me of this C.S. Lewis quote: “The safest road to hell is the gradual one – the gentle slope, soft underfoot, without sudden turnings, without milestones, without signposts.” If you’re struggling with potential compromise, these Bible verses could help your trust in God:
- “So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” (James 4:17)
- “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” (Romans 12:1-2)
- “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)
4. You compromise integrity for a “greater good.”
You need more. You’re tired of being the one to do good, to be the bigger person. It’s time for you to take matters into your own hands and do what you need to do. The keyword here: you. When we find ourselves tempted to do something drastic that compromises our integrity, that could be a sign we’re not trusting God. Would He want us to walk in darkness? Do we trust Him with His version of our greater good?
- “Whoever walks in integrity will be delivered, but he who is crooked in his ways will suddenly fall.” (Proverbs 28:18)
- “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (Jeremiah 29:11)
Trust God’s Will for Your Life and Watch What He Does
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, recognizing that he has a greater plan for our lives–one beyond our human limitations–and trusting that he will guide our steps.
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.”
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, thanks for your comment. You’ve made great points.
It makes me think about how 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. He had to stumble around and learn to trust, but he ultimately continued forward to put his life in God’s hands. David trusted God and knew the law, but he still sinned and took Bathsheba and killed Uriah. He repented. He was punished. He realized God knows and sees all. And he continued forward trusting in God with his life.
Thankfully as we make our freewill decisions we can consult God 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, but He is patient with us; He knows His sheep and welcomes us back with open arms. (Edited this post 8/7/16 and shortened this very long comment of mine 😉
Great reply.
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.
Thanks Sushant… six years later I’m updating this post and re-reading comments. I’m praying for you today.
where I’m weak you are strong Lord Jesus ….I 100% trust you Lord with my life my life is meaning less with-out you father… my hope faith an trust is in you Lord I know you are turning things around in my life for the best lord thank you for everything you’ve done in my life an continue to do lord thank you thank you thank you
Amen! Thank you for sharing Frances. I’m reviewing this post years later and praying for you today.
I find it so hard to let go of the control of my life and accept God Is in control
I am scared to let go and take the full leap of faith I do believe in God and his son
Jesus
I find it hard to trust God I suffer with an anxiety disorder which is a torment
please pray for me
Yes, I can understand this feeling Claudia. Anxiety disorder is a torment, and I’m praying that you receive all the help, support and resources you need to have peace. Also that God’s word gives you that encouragement and breath of fresh air to your soul. That healing.
This post includes 10 bible verses that helped me through anxiety, and I pray they comfort your soul http://goingbyfaith.com/overcome-anxiety-what-10-verses-from-the-bible-keep-teaching-me/
Praying for you today.
Hello. I trust Yahweh. I trust Yahweh, because HE has always been in my life. When I face trials and tribulations and just cast my care upon HIM, HE directs my paths. I love YHWH very, very much. HE eases my mind, body and soul. When I am facing difficult times, I want to have tantrums, act out, do my own thing; however, the Spirit calms me down. I can’t overreact because looking back on YHWH and HIS blessings, I know HE is with me and whatever is being used for my harm, will be used for my good. I remember the times when HE has saved me and blessed me, even when I didn’t and don’t deserve it. I believe in YHWH each day when I look outside and see, the sun, moon, stars, trees, flower in bloom, birds, etc. Each walk of life, reminds me of HIS forever presence. I remember HIS words and incorporate them in my life. I believe in YHWH because HE is.
Amen Michelle! Thank you for sharing that 🙂