Romans 1:17 (MSG) God’s way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith, confirming what Scripture has said all along: “The person in right standing before God by trusting him really lives.”
I like how the Message paraphrases Romans 1:17, especially the first few words
“Gods way of putting people right shows up in the acts of faith.”
When we come to Christ and accept His redeeming work on Calvary, He gives us a gift. Not only does He give us eternal life, He also gives us the gift of faith. Faith is total dependence on God and a willingness to trust Him and do life His way. Faith is complete and humble obedience to live our lives according to God’s word. Faith is the simple act of placing our trust in the God who: created the world and everything in it, knows the depths of our hearts, loves us unconditionally, wants to comfort us in our times of struggle, and guides us into a deeper more intimate relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ.
Grab your Bible or go to your favorite Bible app and take a look at the words of Proverbs 3:5 – 6. These verses encourage us to trust God completely, with our whole heart and try not to figure everything out on our own. In everything we do and everywhere we go, we must listen for God’s voice. You know what His voice sounds like right? It is that still, gentle voice that keeps us on track. Of course, I say that and it’s not exactly the easiest thing to do, is it? Sometimes we just think our problems are too big or little for God to handle. Other times we may think we can manage our circumstances on our own only, but that only makes things worse.
May I encourage you today with the following thoughts:
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There is nothing too difficult for God (Jeremiah 32:17).
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God is our refuge and strength when our circumstances get tough (Psalm 91:1-2) and can be trusted with everything. Besides, we can’t tell him anything he doesn’t already know.
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He has searched us and knows every detail about us (Psalm 139:1 – 4).
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He is always with us whether it’s in the deepest, darkest valley or on the highest mountain top (Isaiah 41:10).
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He IS the EVERLASTING GOD and will grow tired or weary (Isaiah 40:28).
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He is our solid rock (Isaiah 26:4).
As we put our trust in Him by exercising the gift of faith, we will find rest for our souls in Him alone (Psalm 62: 5 – 8).
I think the questions above are best answered by how close a relationship we have with Christ. For the longest time, I responded to life’s little trials with the same knee-jerk reaction…I tried to control the situation instead of handing it over to God and allowing Him work. I soon learned that I walked through the same trial over and over again because I wasn’t looking to the very ONE whom could work all things together for my good (Romans 8:28).