On Sunday, I had the privilege of preaching a sermon on Trust using the Gospel of John 14:1-7. I shared with the congregation the fact that according to Jesus, we are able to not let our hearts be troubled. That we had control over what troubled our hearts and to answer the call to trust God, the God that we do not see, and trust Jesus, the God that we do see.
The overall feedback was very positive. However, as I recall, there was a justified life-giving follow-up question that I wanted to share with you. A beloved person to me said, 'What if a person doesn't even know or understand the concept of trust...'
What a life-giving feedback. It is a worthy question, so let me begin by saying this.
Learning to trust Jesus can be a challenging journey, especially if we have faced situations where our trust has been broken by people in power, close family, best friends, and especially other Christians who preach one thing and do another. The good news is that regardless of our past experiences, it is possible to cultivate a deep and meaningful relationship with Jesus based on trust. In John 14:1-7, Jesus reminds his disciples to trust in him even amidst uncertainty and confusion. He assures them that he is the way, the truth, and the life, and that by trusting in him, they will be able to navigate any storm.
So, when you find yourself struggling to trust God, here are some steps that you can take:
Come to Jesus with an open heart: The first step to trusting Jesus is to come to him with an open heart. Acknowledge any fears, doubts, or uncertainties that you may have, and ask him to help you overcome them. Prayer is a powerful tool that can help you connect with Jesus and strengthen your trust in him.
Study the Word of God: The Bible contains many stories and lessons that can help you understand the nature of God and his love for you. As you study the Word of God, you will be able to see how other people trusted Jesus and how he was faithful to them. Spend time reading and reflecting on scripture, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide you in your understanding.
Build community: Surrounding yourself with other believers can be a great way to strengthen your trust in Jesus. Fellowship with other Christians can provide a source of encouragement, accountability, and support. Look for a local church or small group where you can connect with other believers and grow in your faith together.
Trust in small ways: Learning to trust Jesus is a journey, and it may take time to trust him in all areas of your life fully, and that's ok -- God loves you, and God is patient. Start by trusting him in small ways, such as praying for his guidance or surrendering a specific area of your life to him. As you see him faithful in these small areas, your trust in him will grow.
Seek professional help: If you have experienced significant trust issues in the past, seeking professional help may be necessary. A counselor or therapist can help you process your feelings and develop strategies for rebuilding trust. They can also offer support and encouragement as you navigate your journey of faith.
In conclusion, learning to trust Jesus is a process that requires intentionality, commitment, and patience. By cultivating habits that help us build trust, we can deepen our relationship with him and experience his love and grace in new ways. Regardless of our past experiences, we can trust that Jesus is faithful and will always be there for us, guiding us through whatever storms come our way, but to some, that might sound easier said than done, and I am there with you.
Please also know that I remain available for you. Thank you for trusting me with such a good question. Be of good courage; know that you are a beloved child of God.
If you wish to listen to the sermon again - please visit https://youtu.be/VcOcs9m88c0
