Feb 27-28, 2010 – Hobby – Marlin, TX

Our first gig of 2010 was at the Hobby Unit. This unit is a special place for us. We are always welcome and come away feeling like we have been with friends and fellow believers. We did have some challenges with logistics but that just comes with the territory. All in all we made it in and out without a hitch on Saturday and Sunday.

Mitchell spoke from Jeremiah 2:13. Jeremiah carefully warns against serving worthless deities. The Lord offers each of us the fountain of living waters for life-giving sustenance but many times we choose broken cisterns to store “water” which is useless. Basically, a quick examination of each of our lives will reveal whom we serve and what we put our faith in for sustenance for our day-to-day living. When I think of faith I can’t help but think of trust…something that many of us struggle with in ourselves, in others, and in God. This is especially true behind bars.

Recently I was handed a tract titled, What Trust Looks Like, written by Mart De Haan. He concludes that questions about what it means to trust in God can be almost as troubling as the problem itself and it is for those struggles that the wisdom of the bible has been given to us. I challenge you to look at each of these points and see what trust looks like.

• Don’t be too hard on yourself – The most godly men and women of the past were deeply disturbed by the crises of their lives. David – 2 Samuel 12:16-17, Psalm 6:1-7. Job – Job 3. Hannah – 1 Samuel 1:13-15. Together they show us that trust can cry and groan and even doubt.
• Expect to be misunderstood by others – In times of profound loss and concern, even our best friends will try to make sense of what has happened to us. They may forget people do not suffer in proportion to their wrongs. Some pay quickly for their mistakes. Others do not. Read about Job in Job 4: 1-9 and 16:2.
• Don’t be afraid to be honest with God – Abraham laughed at God’s promise to make him father of many nations, Jacob wrestled with God about uncertainty, David expressed his despair, and Job accused God of being unfair. They learned to express themselves to God and trust Him in the dark valleys of their doubts.
• Take one step at a time – Don’t worry about tomorrow – Matthew 6:34. Settle for smaller steps and for wisdom of the moment – James 1:5. Know that he will never leave or forsake you – Hebrews 13:5
• Don’t be self-destructive – Avoid quick fixes that are harmful, destructive or addictive. We also need to ask God to help us avoid taking out our anxiety, anger, or despair on those around us.
• Don’t underestimate God – When we are helpless, God is not. If God doesn’t answer our prayers in the time and manner we have asked, it’s because He can see what we cannot. Joseph is a great example – Genesis 50:20.
• Ask but don’t demand – We think we know what we need from God. We are inclined to beg like a child. In those moments He understands our weakness and fear. Seek His presence – Job 42.
• Doubt yourself – Job finally got to the place of doubting himself more than he doubted God. Remind yourself of the eternal power and infinite genius of the God of creation. Job 42:2-5.

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