Trust, Obedience, and Commitment

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by scotty

We tend to think that the presense of trials are equivalent to the absence of God. Not so. When trouble comes our way, as it did for Joseph, God is most likely at work on a much bigger plan than we can imagine.
Who would have thought that Joseph’s disappointments were God’s chosen route to blessing and prominence for Joseph?
Joseph was able to tell his brothers, “Ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.”
A day came when all the disappointments made sense.
He had trusted God and God had worked a plan for the greater good.
While no one should minimize or belittle the excruciating pain of hurts and disappointments, we must realize that no matter what has happened or comes about; our lives are in God’s hands.
God who is at work on our behalf, left us these reassuring words:
Though the mountains be shaken
and the hills be removed,
yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken
nor my covenant of peace be removed,"
says the Lord, who has compassion on you.
Isaiah 54:10 NIV
So how do we respond to God when disappointments come?
When disappointments comes from not receiving the answer you desire, remember that your prayer may be answered in an unexpected way.
King David felt in his heart that he should build a temple for the Lord. But, God told Nathan the prophet to go tell David, “Thou shall not build me a house to dwell in.”
This is not the response that David expected or wanted.
His intentions were good and he no doubt felt this in his heart, but God said no.
God has three responses to our questions: yes, no, and later.
We accept that we have definitely heard from God when we get a yes. However, when we get a no or a later we wonder if we misunderstood the Lord, or we think God didn’t hear the question.
David no doubt felt in his heart that he should build the temple, he could have told Nathan the prophet that he had missed God, because of what David felt in his heart but David takes God’s answer, God’s no, and responds right.
He does not pout, cry or travail because he is disappointed.
David does not try to bargain with God or blame God.
He instead, lavishly praises God and thanked him for answering him.
He says,
King David went in, took his place before God, and prayed:
Who am I, my Master God, and what is my family, that you have brought me to this place in life? But that's nothing compared to what's coming, for you've also spoken of my family far into the future, given me a glimpse into tomorrow and looked on me, Master God, as a Somebody. What's left for David to say to this — to your honoring your servant, even though you know me, just as I am? O God, out of the goodness of your heart, you've taken your servant to do this great thing and put your great work on display. There's none like you, God, no God but you, nothing to compare with what we've heard with our own ears.
The Message
1 Chronicles 17:16-20
He ends the prayer with “Because you have blessed it God it is really blessed.” (The Message)
When David could not build the temple, he started collecting materials for the next generation to build what he dreamed up.
When disappointment comes out of nowhere, remember that God may have allowed you to be a testimony to the enemy.
To the child of God there is a divine dimension to our disappointments.
Be ready for the possibility of a surprise ending.
Like Joseph, David, and Job, others have learned that it is not over until God says it is over.
Mary, Martha, and Lazarus could testify that the sentence of death was not always certain.
When the future looked bleak, remember that Moses and his followers, with an angry army behind them and a vast body of water in front of them, walked through the Red Sea on dry ground.
Just when the failure seemed too great for grace, David was pardoned.
Remember our finite disappointments should never overshadow God’s infinite hope.
God is in control!
~~Pastor Burl Crabtree
(Some resources from articles in the Pentecostal Herald August 2007.)

Good stuff.

[Barb]

Originally Posted by Rhoni

This week a friend and I discussed the inability to commit to anything at this point in our lives. I have thought about it and for me it is a number of things but primarily a trust issue.

There was a time in my life that every decision I made, every action I took was about how it would benefit the kingdom. I suppose my inability to commit may be because the things I trusted in not only let me down, but my perception was that it/they wanted to destroy me.

My inability to trust is stemmed from this. FEAR: False Evidence Appearring Real. The hurt is so deep that it reappears just at the time I think it is gone/healed. Abandonment and rejection issues often sabotogue current relationships with Pastors, churches, friends, and family because of the TRUST issue.

But it is deeper yet than that: I don't trust God. If He is in charge of everything and everything is always falling apart then just what is He saying to me? Does He really love me? Will He truly never leave me? Does He really have my best interest at heart?

Opinions welcome

Blessings,
Rhoni

Hi Rhonda...your post brought me out of the lurking mode, girl. I don't have all the answers...you know me, I just talk like I do. But as you asked for opinions, here are mine.

I suppose it is not uncommon when faced with life's disappointments and issues to ask the questions you have asked, though deep down, we do know the answers.

There is a book I am rereading from the 70s, A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23, by Phillip Keller. I am at the chapter where the author is expounding on yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

This stanza of the psalm is usually used in reference to natural death...the Lord will be with the one departing and the family, even in what seems like the darkest hour.

But in reality, a valley of the shadow of death can mean the things you mentioned in your post, as well as things you didn't. Divorce, unhappy marital situations, kids in jail/trouble, loss of job, church splits and issues, family dysfunctions, financial concerns, inability to settle down in our minds, inability to love and be loved, broken promises...these things, and more can lead us, and keep us in that valley which often seems like death.

Elder Keller describes a shepherd taking his flock to the lofty places of grazing and water. However, before they reach the mountain top, they first must be led through the valley.

We don't like the valley, and often dread it, but the author writes that it is in the valley...that place that Dottie Rambo sang about, "where the sun seldom shines..." It is in this place where the shepherd knows the best grazing and water can be found.

It is also a place where the ewes and the lambs are alone with the shepherd. There are no other ranchers herding their flock through to greener pastures. It is just the shepherd and his flock.

He is ever watchful and protective because in the darkness of the valley the wolves, coyotes, and other predators take cover in the shadows, waiting for a moment of weakness. So his keen eye and listening ear is ever on guard, for his flock is his most prized possession.

Though the dangers are present and quite real, sheep are not hurried through these paths leading to the mountain range, but are slowly led, so that they might rest in the constant care of the shepherd.

Rhonda, your inability to trust God is not something I didn't already know. But you must realize that though you have felt, and continue to feel isolated, and wonder where God is in all of this, He has not moved. God is where He has always been. He has not changed. He has not taken Himself from the throne room of heaven, or from the throne of your heart.

The Good Shepherd has been leading you to the mountain top for a long time, but the cares of life and the opinions you have set have prevented your progress.

Always remember that it is the devil's job to make sure that when you resign yourself to think and feel better...that when you say with your mouth, and believe with your heart, "All is forgiven, " he make's it his business to bring something to you that will set you back once again.

But because the devil is good at what he does, it does not mean God is not aware or is unwilling to aid. But there are things we can, and must do to put the breaks on the evil one, as well.

Didn't mean to say all of this, but I don't post much so I'm making up for it here...

But as the Good Shepherd, you know God most certainly does have your best interest at heart, and desires to heal all of the broken places.

The ewe being led by the shepherd MUST trust he will take them to higher ground. Without trust in one greater, they will surely perish.

God only wants what is best for you, and so do I...

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Barb

Hi Rhonda...your post brought me out of the lurking mode, girl. I don't have all the answers...you know me, I just talk like I do. But as you asked for opinions, here are mine.

I suppose it is not uncommon when faced with life's disappointments and issues to ask the questions you have asked, though deep down, we do know the answers.

There is a book I am rereading from the 70s, A Shepherd Looks At Psalm 23, by Phillip Keller. I am at the chapter where the author is expounding on yea though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death.

This stanza of the psalm is usually used in reference to natural death...the Lord will be with the one departing and the family, even in what seems like the darkest hour.

But in reality, a valley of the shadow of death can mean the things you mentioned in your post, as well as things you didn't. Divorce, unhappy marital situations, kids in jail/trouble, loss of job, church splits and issues, family dysfunctions, financial concerns, inability to settle down in our minds, inability to love and be loved, broken promises...these things, and more can lead us, and keep us in that valley which often seems like death.

Elder Keller describes a shepherd taking his flock to the lofty places of grazing and water. However, before they reach the mountain top, they first must be led through the valley.

We don't like the valley, and often dread it, but the author writes that it is in the valley...that place that Dottie Rambo sang about, "where the sun seldom shines..." It is in this place where the shepherd knows the best grazing and water can be found.

It is also a place where the ewes and the lambs are alone with the shepherd. There are no other ranchers herding their flock through to greener pastures. It is just the shepherd and his flock.

He is ever watchful and protective because in the darkness of the valley the wolves, coyotes, and other predators take cover in the shadows, waiting for a moment of weakness. So his keen eye and listening ear is ever on guard, for his flock is his most prized possession.

Though the dangers are present and quite real, sheep are not hurried through these paths leading to the mountain range, but are slowly led, so that they might rest in the constant care of the shepherd.

Rhonda, your inability to trust God is not something I didn't already know. But you must realize that though you have felt, and continue to feel isolated, and wonder where God is in all of this, He has not moved. God is where He has always been. He has not changed. He has not taken Himself from the throne room of heaven, or from the throne of your heart.

The Good Shepherd has been leading you to the mountain top for a long time, but the cares of life and the opinions you have set have prevented your progress.

Always remember that it is the devil's job to make sure that when you resign yourself to think and feel better...that when you say with your mouth, and believe with your heart, "All is forgiven, " he make's it his business to bring something to you that will set you back once again.

But because the devil is good at what he does, it does not mean God is not aware or is unwilling to aid. But there are things we can, and must do to put the breaks on the evil one, as well.

Didn't mean to say all of this, but I don't post much so I'm making up for it here...

But as the Good Shepherd, you know God most certainly does have your best interest at heart, and desires to heal all of the broken places.

The ewe being led by the shepherd MUST trust he will take them to higher ground. Without trust in one greater, they will surely perish.

God only wants what is best for you, and so do I...

Thank you Barb! I appreciate you coming out of self imposed hibernation to tell me what I indeed should already know.

Love & Blessings, Rhoni

[Sarah]

Sis Barb had a wonderful word for you, Rhoni. Please take note.

I've been reading your posts for a long time, and I really believe if you ever get to the place where you can just let go of the past, and move forward, most of your frustrations will be gone.

We've all had to do it........God is faithful. I know!

[Pressing-On]

Barb,
Good post!!! I love that book. I went to a ladies meetings some time back. We were in a pastor's home the morning we arrived. I can't remember how I saw Keller's book, but I asked the pastor if I could borrow it. That day one of the ladies spoke on that book and the subject. I knew God wanted me to read the book in full detail!

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by Sarah

Sis Barb had a wonderful word for you, Rhoni. Please take note.

I've been reading your posts for a long time, and I really believe if you ever get to the place where you can just let go of the past, and move forward, most of your frustrations will be gone.

We've all had to do it........God is faithful. I know!

It is easy to let go of the past when the past doesn't constantly hit you in the face currently. I really am not sure of the Past being referrred to. I am happily over many things: divorce, change of profession, increased age, but my basic personality will never change and God does not make mistakes. What I do not tolerate is authoritarian leadership, and disrespectful children.

I can forgive but not put up with and refuse to do so.

Blessings, Rhoni

[rgcraig]

This might not be pertinent, but I just found these notes and your thread did come to my mind.

The Sermon was Blessings or Curses

The Creative Power of the Tongue - There's a creative force behind words that are spoken.

Proverbs 18:21
Hebrews 11:1

Faith is your title deed to everything you hope for and are fully expecting!

Faith = Key = what I'm going to speak.

God is always waiting on OUR faith.

Every negative word needs a blessing to release the curse. You have to overcome the habit of negativity. Break the habit to turn curses into blessings.



Rhoni, not sure any of that will make sense to you, but I really felt to post it here.

Maybe it's not so much lack of trust (your curse), but you need more faith.

Don't speak negatively about needing trust, but speak positively about FAITH! Break the curse!

[Cindy]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

This might not be pertinent, but I just found these notes and your thread did come to my mind.

The Sermon was Blessings or Curses

The Creative Power of the Tongue - There's a creative force behind words that are spoken.

Proverbs 18:21
Hebrews 11:1

Faith is your title deed to everything you hope for and are fully expecting!

Faith = Key = what I'm going to speak.

God is always waiting on OUR faith.

Every negative word needs a blessing to release the curse. You have to overcome the habit of negativity. Break the habit to turn curses into blessings.



Rhoni, not sure any of that will make sense to you, but I really felt to post it here.

Maybe it's not so much lack of trust (your curse).

Don't speak negatively about needing trust, but speak positively about FAITH! Break the curse!

I love the last 2 sentences Renda. That is powerful!!!!!!

[ManOfWord]

A lot of good stuff here. A couple of things have given me personal comfort over the years. One being that I try to realize that there is often a difference between the way things SEEM and the way they really are. Feeling, even men's feelings can be quite fickle depending on what one grew up with and the experiences thereafter. Two, some things/hurts we will NEVER get completely over. Some things we just have to get THROUGH day by day. It gets easier, but sometimes they just sneak up behind you and WHAM, right up side the head!!! Sometimes freedom comes from accepting that I may never get completely free from a struggle. His grace is sufficient and people need to be patient with me knowing that.

[Rhoni]

Originally Posted by rgcraig

This might not be pertinent, but I just found these notes and your thread did come to my mind.

The Sermon was Blessings or Curses

The Creative Power of the Tongue - There's a creative force behind words that are spoken.

Proverbs 18:21
Hebrews 11:1

Faith is your title deed to everything you hope for and are fully expecting!

Faith = Key = what I'm going to speak.

God is always waiting on OUR faith.

Every negative word needs a blessing to release the curse. You have to overcome the habit of negativity. Break the habit to turn curses into blessings.



Rhoni, not sure any of that will make sense to you, but I really felt to post it here.

Maybe it's not so much lack of trust (your curse), but you need more faith.

Don't speak negatively about needing trust, but speak positively about FAITH! Break the curse!

Originally Posted by ManOfWord

A lot of good stuff here. A couple of things have given me personal comfort over the years. One being that I try to realize that there is often a difference between the way things SEEM and the way they really are. Feeling, even men's feelings can be quite fickle depending on what one grew up with and the experiences thereafter. Two, some things/hurts we will NEVER get completely over. Some things we just have to get THROUGH day by day. It gets easier, but sometimes they just sneak up behind you and WHAM, right up side the head!!! Sometimes freedom comes from accepting that I may never get completely free from a struggle. His grace is sufficient and people need to be patient with me knowing that.

Renda, My daily devotional was on the very subject of Faith. I do think it isn't so much that I don't trust God is that I need to exercise my faith.

In the next 24 hours I expect and have Faith that God will move on my behalf without me doing anything. I am stepping out of the way and letting God.

Blessings, Rhoni

P.S. Tomorrow I will give you a praise report.