Trust and Obey

Have you ever felt that God has left you alone to face the problems, trials and tribulations in your life? If so, you are not alone. John the Baptist was chosen by God and given a special revelation of who Jesus was and what God’s plan for Jesus would be.

God’s word gives this narrative on who John the Baptist was and what his mission would be:

“There was a man sent from God, whose name was John. The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe.” (John 1:6-7)

You would think such a man would never doubt what God had told him but yet we find John in tribulation; questioning if what he knew about God was true.

Locked in prison, John sent one of his disciples to Jesus to ask this question:

“Art thou he that should come, or do we look for another?” (Mat 11:2-3) 

This is the same person, when seeing Jesus, said:

“Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.” (Joh 1:29)

The tribulation John was facing in prison caused him to doubt what God had revealed to him. Doubting what you know is the outcome of losing sight of who you are in Jesus and who Jesus is to you. The Apostle Paul makes the following statement to the believers in Philippi who were struggling with their relationship with Jesus:

“Wherefore, my beloved, as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling.” (Php 2:12)

It would appear that Paul was reminding the follower of Jesus that they were responsible for the outcome of their spiritual life and eternal destiny when he said, “work out your own salvation.” Paul did not end his thoughts on God’s salvation with that word but continued his encouragement with:

“Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ.” (Php 1:6)

God did not “jump start” your spiritual life with Jesus. He “begun a good work in you” and he will “perform” it until Jesus receives you in His Father’s Kingdom. The word ‘perform’ is understood to mean to fulfill completely or finish. What God has begun in your life; He will bring to completion.

If you are struggling in your faith or have been overcome by trials, tribulations or troubles - rest assured God has not abandoned you. You have this promise from God’s word:

“Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you." (1 Pe 5:7)

God cares for you and will comfort you, forgive you and strengthen you. It is God’s desire to “worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure." (Php 2:13)