Trusting God Doesn’t Have to be Complicated

Happy Saturday, Friend.

Today I invited Jennifer Jabbour to share three uncomplicated lessons she learned about trusting God when she studied the story of Deborah and Barak in the Old Testament. I just love how she draws simple application points from this powerful story. -Sarah Koontz

When I rode on the back of my husband’s street bike, I knew he was in control. I only had to sit still and hold on for the ride.

When we leaned into a corner and were almost parallel to the road, close enough that I could brush my fingers on the ground, I knew he would not let us crash.

That's what God wants from us when He says to trust him. In Psalm 46:10 NLT, God says, "Be still and know that I am God.”

When you trust someone, you actively and willingly relinquish control to them. The story of Deborah and Barak in Judges 4 offers insight into the benefits of trusting God.

Deborah, known as the mother of Israel, led the Israelites because no men were up for the task.

For 20 years, the Israelites were cruelly oppressed by Jabin, king of Canaan. They felt powerless against the Canaanites, who controlled 900 iron chariots led by Sisera.

Finally, they cried to the Lord for help.

God told Deborah to help Barak, the military commander, lead an army of 10,000 Israelites into battle. Barak was scared, but he trusted that Deborah had heard from God.

Three Truths To Help You Trust God from Judges 4

1. God Gives Second Chances (Jdg 4:14).

The Israelites were oppressed because they disobeyed God (Jdg 4:1-2).

In Exodus, God allowed them to wander the desert for 40 years because of their disobedience. Now, they needed rescuing again.

Does this pattern sound familiar? Personally, the sins of my past still tempt me today. Even the Apostle Paul struggled with this (Rm 7:15, 21-25).

No matter how hard we try to earn God’s favor, we will never quite measure up on our own. Like the Israelites, despite being rescued, we keep sinning.

Stories like this in the Old Testament serve as a reminder that God never gives up on his children. He never gave up on the Israelites, and He will never give up on you!

2. Ask God For Help (Jdg 4:3).

God waited 20 years for the Israelites to ask for help.

Sometimes we have to suffer a while before realizing how much we need Him. Stuck in sin and desperation, we insist on doing things our way.

My friend, when we choose our way over God’s way, we walk in defiance against God.

God already went ahead of us and made it as easy as possible. Romans 5:8 NIV says, “But God demonstrates His own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”

All we have to do is turn from our sin and trust in Him.

How would your life be different if, at the first sign of trouble, you prayed? Furthermore, what if, instead of waiting for trouble to come, you called on God daily to help you?

3. Hold On for the Ride (Jdg 4:23-24).

Deborah heard from God and obeyed him. She didn’t worry about the results because she knew God would protect them in battle.

God works in the most unexpected ways, and although overcoming trials may seem impossible at the time, we must believe God is working.

It’s not our job to worry about the details; it’s our job to hold on for the ride.

When we trust God, He will make a way for us! He will do more than we could ever ask or imagine—ABUNDANTLY MORE!!! (Eph 3:20)

This Old Testament battle was perfectly orchestrated by the same God that we serve today!

He guided and fought for the Israelites and longs to do the same for you.

The next time you find yourself in a challenging situation, remember:

1. God gives second chances.
2. Ask God for help.
3. Hold on for the ride.

He has a perfect plan for all of us. Even when we think we’ve screwed up, causing our life to fall apart, we need not worry.

God makes all things good!

In the same way, the Spirit helps us in our weakness. We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us through wordless groans. And he who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for God’s people in accordance with the will of God. And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. Romans 8:26-28 NIV

- Jennifer Jabbour