Trust and Deliverance

Here are some words of guidance for times of trouble from a very wise person.

IN TIME OF TROUBLE SAY:
FIRST-
He brought me here-it is by His will I am in
this strait place; in that will I rest.

NEXT-
He will keep me in His love, and give me grace
in this trial to behave as His child.

THEN-
He will make the trial a blessing, teaching me the
lessons He means me to learn, and working in me
the grace He intends for me.

LAST-
In His good time He can bring me out again,
how and when He knows

SAY-I am here
1. By God’s appointment.
2. In God’s keeping.
3. Under His training.
4. For His time.

By: ANDREW MURRAY

“See, God has come to save me. I will trust in him and not be afraid. The Lord God is my strength and my song; he has given me victory.” Isaiah 12:2 NLT

• Since the beginning of creation, God has invited us to trust him.
• Since the beginning of sin, God is our one and true deliverer.

Reflection

God asks, expects, and requires us to trust him. He is the one who delivers us from evil and all of its ramifications in our lives. We have often told God that we would rather put our trust in individuals. Some want their own king. Others choose a dictator. The lure of security, power, and influence leads us to believe we have found the leader and the supporting system that will protect and prosper us.

We place our trust in a powerful few to save us and give us a good life. Throughout history, when we do this, God respects our choice and gives us over to those we have trusted. The consequences of misplaced trust lead us into bondage. Captivity, if you will. Isaiah 12 is, in many ways, a restatement of Exodus 15. They are words of God’s deliverance for people who are trusting in him.

If I have my history right, Isaiah 12 is written at a time when the Israelites are being taken into captivity. It is a prophecy of a future deliverance by God, a fresh salvation, by a people who put their trust in him. As captivity by powerful people emerges, God is saying to those entering this season of bondage and hardship: trust him, and deliverance will come. Keep your eyes on him, and salvation will arrive.

We see this theme in the bible from the earliest stories of captivity to the book of Revelation, when all is made right for those who trust in Christ. The centerpiece of this story of trust and deliverance is the coming, life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Deliverance for all who believe! Salvation for everyone who trusts!

Encouragement

We have to make practical choices about who will lead our organizations, communities, churches, and government. Yes, it’s true, we place a certain amount of trust in their abilities to lead well. Under the best of circumstances, these leaders are humbly following Christ. In the worst of situations, leaders seek only their own ends, willing to destroy anyone along the way, with no regard for life.

As followers of Christ, our trust for deliverance and salvation rests with God. Our confidence about who is leading and providing for us in our lives is centered on God. Let me say it again: Be it deliverance from a terrible situation or the salvation of our souls, we trust in God through Jesus Christ to deliver and save us. We may get the help of others along the way, but that should never displace our trust in the one who delivers and saves.

Prayer

Dear Jesus,
From the earliest stories of humanity to world events today, we see a battle over trust and deliverance.
Thank you for reminding us that deliverance and salvation come through trusting you, and you alone. Thank you.
For my brothers and sisters in Christ anywhere in the world, there is only one who is capable of the deliverance and salvation we seek. It is you, Jesus.

For a person in an abusive and dangerous relationship, there is only one person to put your trust in to make it through. It is you, Jesus.

Thank you for sending people along the way to help. Thank you when leaders and governments get it right. Thank you when church and community leaders get this right. Thank you to a friend who comes to the rescue in a time of need.

Please guard us from misplaced trust in others. Thank you for the simplicity of focus that our trust is in you.

In your name, Jesus, we pray,
Amen

– Ed McDowell, C.E.O.
Warm Beach Camp Ministries