by Cindy Phillips
There is a connection between trust and obedience. When I was a little girl, I looked up to my Dad. He was (and still is, in many ways) my hero. I trusted him completely as he showed himself trustworthy. Because I trusted him, and wanted him to be pleased with me, I was (for the most part) quick to obey him.
Without really thinking about it, I was prepared to obey him before he asked. I did not even think about deciding whether or not I would obey. I knew he always had my best in mind so my obedience was instant. As I matured this changed. As a teenager I knew it all! Rebellion kicked in and obedience was not my first and automatic response. Did Dad change? No, he still had my best in mind. I just figured I knew better.
Men (including my Dad) can make mistakes. They can lead you in the wrong direction. Trusting in man can be a dicey decision. As you interact with people you will use your reason to decide if you will follow (trust) a man.
God is not like a man. He knows all; your past, present and future. Because He sees everything with perfect clarity, you can trust Him. Romans 8:28 assures us God works all things together for our good (for those who love Him and are called according to His purpose). God will never lead you to do something you should not do. But take heed how you hear. There is much deception out there and it will get worse and worse as we approach the end of the age. How can you know it is God you are hearing? Test what you hear against His Word. He will NEVER lead you do to something against what is Written.
What about Abraham and Isaac? Didn’t God tell Abraham to kill Isaac? We know in Scripture child sacrifice is wrong. Look closely at the story in Genesis 22. In verse 2 what exactly did God ask Abraham to do? He asked Abraham to offer him as a burnt offering. He did not specifically ask him to kill his son, although that is what Abraham assumed (Hebrews 11:17).
Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Set yourself as all-in for God and let Him use you in this late hour. Worship Him in spirit and in truth. Decide now to be swift to obey the One you can trust completely. Your actions of obedience speak of your faith.