By Opeyemi Akinbo
Our world today is even more full of uncertainties which is common to everyone. We live daily not being sure of what to expect next. Challenges such as job loss, health issues, global crises, etc.) are on the rise and people are learning to expect the worst.
But amidst all of these is the need for us to trust in God. Trusting in God provides peace and stability amid the uncertainties of life.
Trust is learned. It’s not something we are born with or a nature we put on automatically as we begin our journey of faith. It is learned and developed over time. While some people may have natural inclination to be more trusting, true, deep-seated, trust; especially in God, is cultivated through experiences, challenges and intentional faith building.
Trust in God grows as we navigate life’s uncertainties and witness His faithfulness firsthand. It’s much like a relationship; the more we engage with God, rely on Him, and see him come through for us, the stronger our faith grows. This is why new believers often struggle with trust, it’s a process that takes time, person encounter and spiritual maturity.
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Sometime ago during my undergraduate days, I was to pay my school fees and the payment deadline was already so close. Logically at that point, it was not certain that I would be able to meet up with the deadline because there was no hope. But something unimaginable happened, my roommate that has travelled home message me one night and said “God said I should give you the balance of your school fees” I was beyond shocked. This experience and many other that I have hard has made me trust God in so many areas.
How do you grow your trust in God?
- Recognize that God is in control of every situations. Having faith in God’s sovereignty helps overcome fear and anxiety. Shift your focus from the unknown to the promises of God because they are yes and Amen. Jeremiah 29:11 (KJV) For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.
- Pray and surrender your worries to God.
Prayer helps us to maintain trust. Replace your worries with praying. Talk to God about that situation.
Develop a habit of daily surrender through prayer.
Philippians 4:6 (KJV) Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God. - Recall Past Faithfulness.
Reflect on how God has helped you before. Each time and remember that my school fees scenerio, I just know that God would show up. If He showed up in the past, He will again.
If He can provide for the Israelites in the wilderness, what can He not do?
Practical steps you can take towards this is journalling answered prayers to help you build faith over time.
- Stay Rooted in God’s Word.
You can not believe or act what you don’t know. Knowing the word of God and His promises for you helps strengthen faith in uncertain times.
Some of the bible passages that reassures me include; Isaiah 41:10, psalms 46:1 etc.
Take practical step by setting time apart for Bible study, get a devotionals and go through it daily, engage in scripture meditation.
- Surround Yourself with a Community of Faith.
The importance of fellowship and encouragement cannot be overemphasized.
I remember a time I was on a call with two of my friends and one of them was asking about something happening in my school, at that point I spoke fear instead of faith and immediately she said to me “that may be the norms in that school, but your own case is different” immediately, I regained myself.
The community you keep matters in building your faith and trust.
Hebrews 10:25 says we should not forsake the gatherings of brethren.
- Take Steps in Faith.
Trusting God doesn’t insinuate being passive. You have your role to play.
Peter and to take the action of taking steps to walk on the water.
Abraham had to move by leaving his hometown.
Do not just sit down trusting, faith without work is dead. Start doing something. If you are trusting God for job, learn skills that will make you employable, put in your best at what you do. As you trust God for health, play your role of taking care of yourself.
You do have your role to play. Do not be passive.
In conclusion, uncertainty is part of life but God remain faithful amid it all. Choose to trust God daily even when it’s hard.
