Trust in Him

Over my lifetime, there have been many people that I have admired, for many different reasons. One of my childhood heroes was Joe Montana, quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers.  I admired Joe for, at the time, what appeared to be the ability to be cool under pressure and score when his team needed it. I, as a quarterback too, also admired his skills, work ethic and ability to find ways to win football games.  Now, I would call that leadership.  Joe had amazing leadership skills in that he could stir his offensive teammates to play at very high levels when he needed them to. 

As a quarterback, Joe relied on his offensive linemen to protect him so that he could execute the plays as designed which would lead to touchdowns.  Joe needed to trust his linemen to keep those hostile defensive players off his back.  Joe knew that when stuff hit the fan, he could count on his linemen to have his back.  And with that confidence, trust, and faith, if you will, he became one of the most prolific NFL quarterbacks of all time.

Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.  Psalm 20:7

Trust is hard thing to develop and foster in anyone because it generally requires being vulnerable and exposing your weakest points.  Those whom we do trust, earn that trust through their integrity, character and strength.  Consistency is also another quality necessary to build trust in someone.  Knowing what you'll get from someone each and every time opens the door to building to trust.

To me, one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, aspects of growing my faith has been learning to trust in the Lord.  As it reflects upon in Psalms, it is much easier to trust things than people.  Why? Because you generally know what you're going to get.  The reason for this is your experience with that "thing" leads you to an understanding that certain things will happen every time I use this.  For instance, you might have a lot of trust in the deadbolt lock on your front door.  You know, because every time you engage the lock, the door becomes impenetrable.  Over time you develop trust in that lock to protect you because you have used it so many times.

My challenge to you and me is to develop that same level of trust in the name of the Lord.
 Do not let your hearts be troubled.  Trust in God; trust also in me.  John 14:1

Of all people or things in this world, His character, integrity and strength are the purest and highest.  He was sent for us to trust and by doing so he relinquishes access to His Father and all the power that comes with that.

And whatever you ask in My name, that I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask anything in My name, I will do it.  John 14:13-14

And in that day you will ask Me nothing. Most assuredly, I say to you, whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.  John 16:23-24

The name of Jesus is a mighty force in the universe that we are to trust, have faith in and use to do His good works.  He was sent here to teach us how to love one another, serve one another and lead successful lives.  His great sacrifice was for you and me, so that we might live more full, joy-filled lives.  When we trust in the name of the Lord, we truly can let go of life and know that everything is going to be not just all right, but perfect.

My man, Joe Montana once said, "Some guys practice like All-Americans but they can't play!"  Meaning that they can go through the motions and act out what needs to happen, but when it really counts, they fall short.  How true is this in our faith life?  It's easy to look the part, go through motions and appear to be something we are not.  But, when it comes down to it, in crunch time, our faith is weak because we do not trust in the Lord.

Jesus gave each of us a mighty gift in the power of His name.  It is up to us to develop the trust in the strength and power He told us it would yield.  I pray today, in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and Savior, that the Holy Spirit may come upon you and move you to trust in he who has made every thing, conquered every evil and prepared a place in Heaven for you.  That your faith and trust in Jesus may be resolute.  Amen.