Hello ,

Exercise your faith - Installment #3 - Trust intentionally in the goodness of God.

These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”  John 16:33 (NKJV)

God isn't surprised by the things that routinely surprise us. He has the divine ability to see around the next corner. 

We don't!

Only as we allow our relationship with Him to deepen can we learn to fully trust Him more. 

Have you ever watched a small child when they first go into a pool of water, and are learning to put their head under the water? 

I used to laugh when I watched our oldest trying to work up the courage to do it.  She would plug her nose, and put (just her face) down into the water for a split second. 

I can still recall her words after the first time that she performed that task. "I did it, Daddy. I put my head under the water." 

She hadn't put her entire head under the water, but I praised her for what she did do. 

For her, it was a monumental feat of under-water gymnastics. 

Her faith in her own abilities only took her so far, though. 

Later on, she would climb on my back. Her and I would swim underwater together, with her head completely submerged. She was willing to do this, because she trusted in her relationship with me. 

She intentionally trusted in my "goodness" because I was her dad, and she knew I had her best interest in mind. 

My heart belonged to her, and she knew that I always wanted what was in her best interest.

The same is true for trusting God. 

Only as we allow ourselves to be intentional about trusting in His goodness, can we take steps towards a better understanding of why we can trust Him with everything in our daily lives.

Can it be uncomfortable at first? 

Of course!

Will it help build our faith-muscle?  

Without a doubt!

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word