THE POSTURE OF CONFIDENCE IN CHRIST

The story goes something like this; an older man received an invitation to fly the coast, where he had lived for over 75 years. This invitation was a gift of a lifetime! One he thought of but never in his wildest dream thought was possible. After being asked how his flight was answered, “I never really put my weight down on it; I guess it was ok.” Wow-what an answer! It leaves me speechless.

This got me thinking how this answer is a great depiction of us believers and our journey of faith. Jesus said to His disciples, after failure to drive out demons from a young boy, all that was required was faith as small as a mustard seed (Matthew 17:20). A mustard seed! Faith, small as the smallest seed in the world, is all we need to show to experience God moving in, through and around us. Did the older man in our story have faith to complete his flight journey? How much of ourselves do we cling to while we utter dependency on God? How much do we trust in our own ability, capabilities, strength, knowledge, credentials etc., while we profess Christ is our source of strength, refuge and our Lord? This older man never really put his weight down to enjoy the very gift he had dreamt of over 75 years. He was dead to the journey! Although he completed the flight, he did not have peace of mind nor experience the true happiness, thrill, and fulfillment that the flight provided. What a tragedy!

I believe the old man’s inability to put his ‘full weight’ down while on the flight is the same reason we keep God at arm’s length in our lives. We do not know ‘How‘ and ‘Why‘ we should put our weight on God. If only he knew he: was the only guest on board, the other planes in the air were suspended just for him, there was no windshield, no turbulence expected, a seasoned well-trained pilot was specially selected for him, and everything was double, triple checked and ensured to give him the best experience ever. Perhaps, he would have trusted the process and enjoyed the ride.

“Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance of what we do not see (Hebrew 11:1)”. Faith is belief and assurance in action. Three basic elements that are foundational to life are knowledge (Hosea 4:6), understanding (Proverbs 4:7, 3:13-18) and wisdom (Proverbs 1-29; Ecclesiastes 2, 7, 10). Without understanding who God is, our knowledge of Him leaves us with a distant friend we occasionally see and experience because we do not have a relationship with them. Understanding God’s nature, what He can do, maybe experience Him from time to time or without the wisdom to access him continuously, we are left with a close friend, but not close enough to see our hurts and sorrows or walk the journey with us. Wisdom in the knowledge and understanding of God leaves us with a friend, closer than any. One, we trust to know our deepest and darkest sorrows, and we can put our weight down on Him to carry us.

Why should we put all our weight on God?

• He is our Father (Matthew 23:9)

• As children of the Most High, He deals favourably with us (John 3:16;1John 3:1; Romans 8:14-17)

• He is the Originator (we were made for, through and by Him) and the Sustainer (keeps us in existence, He supplies all we need and share in our sufferings)

How should we put all our weight on God?

• Have faith: belief that takes us beyond wishful thinking or just knowledge of God

  • Stay in the Word (Faith comes by hearing and hearing through the Word about Christ (Romans 10:17).

  • Ask for understanding (David asked God to give him understanding so he may live (Psalm 119:144; Matthew 7:7-8).

  • Test God at His Word (We must hunger for God to reveal Himself to us, not to love God only through others’ testimonies (Psalm 34:8).

• Trust in God – total confidence in His promises irrespective of doubts or realities.

  • Remember what God has done for you, through you and around you (grasp that He never fails (Joshua 21:45).

  • Accept your reality may be contrary to God’s plans (We must always accept God’s Omniscience and the plans He has for our benefit, even if it doesn’t seem so (Romans 8:28).

Unlike the elderly man, who did not know what was put in place to give him the best experience on the flight, remarkably, God chose us through Jesus. He has given us His Word. He has shown us His character positions to know Him intimately and experience all He has for us. Others may knowingly or unknowingly disappoint or discourage us. Our social-economical status can change in an instant. Life experiences can steal our joy. However, God never fails. Jesus is the only constant in our lives. We can put our FULL weight on Him. Expect His perfect will for our lives. Know that, with God, it will always be a memorable flight.

Are you putting your FULL weight on God? We would love to hear from you, so leave a comment in the box below. Thank you!