While driving the other day I felt the Lord say it’s time to write a message on them, because when I look at these two verses especially in the globally economic and governmental climate we are in with pandemics, and social unrest. It’s easy to see why the Lord would have me write, carving out a journey for others through these verses .
Through this series my prayer is you will grow in faith and be strengthened through encounters of His presence, and become a witness of how Sons and Daughters of the Father can live an abundant life in the middle of a world full of disruptions.
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct your paths”.
We will look at four parts in this series being:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
Lean not on your own understanding
In all your ways acknowledge Him
And He shall direct your paths.
All of the above words lay the foundations for living an abundant life! Which is what Jesus came to give us all – life in all its abundance and overflowing.
So let’s get started and look at Trust in the LORD with all your heart. What does this really mean?
Trust is the key to any relationship working well!
The dictionary defines the Trust as a firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of someone or something, “relationships have to be built on trust” Also LITERARY a person or duty for which one has responsibility. plural noun: trusts” relationship is a trust from God”
So reflection questions: Do you have a firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability of the Lord? And how far does this trust really go? Hmm ponder these as we keep going.
In Revelation 12:11 (TPT) we read
“They conquered him completely through the blood of the Lamb
and the powerful word of His testimony. They triumphed because they did not love and cling to their own lives, even when faced with death”.
Another question: Can you honestly say you would not love and cling to your own life, even when faced with death? Let’s pause for moment and reflect on your answer to the above question.
Now if this question felt like you’d just been hit by a wall of reality then take heart, you are not alone! Even Jesus’s disciples had problems in this area when faced with this reality check. Remember Peter?
Luke 22:33 (TPT) “But Lord,” Peter replied, “I am ready to stand with You to the very end, even if it means prison or death!” But was he really? Hmm let’s carry on to the next verse.
Luke 22:34 (TPT) Jesus looked at him and prophesied, “Before the rooster crows in the morning, you will deny three times that you even know Me”
Ok, what a reality check for Peter, did these words from Jesus change his view? Probably not at the time, BUT they would in the coming days, as the very words Jesus prophesied came into being “Before the rooster crows in the morning, you will deny three times that you even know Me” Have a read in Luke 22;54-60 to see these words of Jesus playing out. But did they bring a reality check to Peter?
Remember God loves Peter, knows Peter and has chosen Peter to be His child, His son and a witness to His Love. He also always has a plan in place, nothing surprises Him, or passes by without His knowledge, and the gift of Freewill He offers to all.
Let’s pause here and pick up the rest of Peter’s story in what Trusting the Lord means, next time.
Challenge Time:
1. Sit with Jesus and ask Him the above reflection question, Jesus, do I have a firm belief in the reliability, truth, or ability You?
2. If not, that’s ok simply ask Jesus, would You show me one way I can have firm belief in the truth, ability and reliability of You today? Then thank Him for it and who He is.
3. Next ask Jesus, would You show me, what I picture Trust as? Jesus, would You show me what You picture Trust as?
4. Choice time – what picture of Trust do you want to keep? Decide and thank Him for the picture and the Truth You have received today.
5. Worship Time – sing and praise the Lord for He is Worthy of all Praise.
Father thank You for Your Love! It’s Unconditional in every way! Help us to grow in strength in both Trust and Love in relationship with You. In Jesus name. Amen
Craig Patten
Itinerate Pastor/Prophet
Encounter Ministries
