Introduction

God, the Almighty, is characterized by His immense power and role as the deliverer, capable of liberating us from any bondage. Many of us centre our worship, service, and faith in God based on this understanding, drawn from His proven track record. Our devotion is rooted in the belief that God rewards those who earnestly seek Him (Hebrews 11:6). But here’s a probing question: Would you maintain your trust in Him even if the outcomes aren’t immediately evident?

The Resolve to Keep Trusting

The story of the three Hebrew men in the fiery furnace illustrates a profound aspect of faith: their unwavering resolve to remain faithful even if God chose not to intervene. Their declaration, “EVEN IF the Lord would not deliver them, they would still not bow,” epitomizes a steadfast commitment to God irrespective of circumstances. Remarkably, God did deliver them, yet the essence lies not in the outcome but in their unwavering trust in God amidst adversity. Similarly, figures like the apostles faced challenges but stood firm in faith, not because things went their way. This embodied the essence of our commitment to Christ.

Proverb 3:5 advises us to “Trust in the Lord with all YOUR HEART and LEAN NOT ON YOUR OWN UNDERSTANDING.” It cautions against tethering our faith solely to the expectation of receiving what we desire. What if God’s plan diverges from our wishes?

Avoid Transactional Faith: Embrace God Beyond Your Needs

God’s perceived failure to meet our expectations does not diminish His sovereignty; rather, it exposes our limited perspective. Many Christians fall into the trap of conditional faith, viewing God as a means to fulfil personal needs, and that’s why it’s easy for situations to pull us away from God because our faith in God has always been on the premise of meeting OUR NEEDS.

We make merchandise of God, bargaining with Him—”I’ll serve you if you take this away from me…”—this reveals a transactional mindset that undermines genuine devotion.  What if God’s response is not as anticipated? What if He tells you His grace is sufficient for you like He said to Paul? Will your allegiance waver? Our faith should transcend mere fulfilment of desires, echoing Job’s resolve: “Though he slay me, yet I will trust Him” (Job 13:15).

Anchoring Faith in God’s Character

Anchoring our faith in the finished work of Christ and its manifestation in our lives forms the bedrock of true devotion. Our trust in God should not hinge on favourable outcomes but on His unchanging nature as the Sovereign, Benevolent Creator.

While God can deliver according to our desires, true faith rests in accepting His will, knowing that His plans are ultimately for our best. Let us trust Him not for what He can do for us, but for who He is—the omnipotent God who works all things for our good as revealed in Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Conclusion

As we conclude, let us remember that our faith in God transcends mere outcomes. While it’s natural to desire favourable results, true faith resides in trusting God regardless of the situation. Let our devotion be anchored not in the fulfilment of our desires, but in the unwavering character of God. He remains sovereign and benevolent, orchestrating events for our ultimate good.

So, even in the face of uncertainty or disappointment, let us trust Him wholeheartedly. For His ways are higher than ours, and His plans are always perfect. May we find peace and strength in trusting Him, knowing that He is faithful to His promises. Amen.