(see Daniel 3:16-18). Abraham, formerly named Abram, showed us that God could do what we humans normally deem impossible, even with our own bodies. I hope so! Again, the trio are super-famous, so I won’t repeat their stories here. But the part that is most astonishing is their focus on God even if He didn’t save them from the flames. If I had this strong of a belief that God’s hand was in every effort of my day, I would be a lot more content with each days’ accomplishments. [15] At Barak’s advance, the LORD routed Sisera and all his chariots and army by the sword, and Sisera got down from his chariot and fled on foot. Moses: Leaders stick up for their people. Despite the fact that he had unfulfilled longings for God, he decided to keep serving God despite the fact that it was hard for him. Even in their position, Shadrach, Meshach & Abednego did not feel the need to defend their decision to not comply with the king’s edict. So the two women went on until they came to Bethlehem. Nebuchadnezzar tried to strike fear into their hearts by threatening them with death, but they did not budge: "Shadrach, Meshach, and Abed-Nego answered and said to the king, "O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. Our past should not hold us back because God doesn’t want us to be held back by it, and He wants to help us to move forward from our past. The Lord Jesus Christ Himself showed us that we can and should trust God. You keep saying, like Job: The Lord gives, and the Lord takes away. David. Instead, I want to take a paragraph to express my deep admiration for Amram and Jochebed, who lost their youngest son when he was an infant, received him back within 24 hours, several years later lost him again, and probably never saw him after that. Daniel's three friends, choosing to worship God instead of man, refuse to worship the image when the sound is played. His great grandfather Abraham’s legacy never would have continued—let alone continued for 4,000 years—without Joseph’s unswerving trust that the Lord God always was with him. For this is the day in which the Lord has given Sisera into your hand. 2) Three friends who literally faced the fire. As a young girl trying to survive, she was just trying her best to get by. Good as done. 11 Amazing Prayer for Happy Marriage and marital Bliss. It is obvious they trusted God due to the fact that they served Him and that He described them as righteous as a result of their actions. Despite Zechariah and Elizabeth’s long wait, God showed his faithfulness to them by working to bless their lives even after it took a long time for them to receive his blessing. 1. Do we deserve this kindness? Joseph in the Bible Embodied Trust in God. Even though we might not have the title Deborah did, life still requires a lot from us every single day: resolving disputes, helping people with their marriage, finances, kids, and health, among other things. (Romans 5:7-8). Throughout history, God has set up His people for incredible futures of redemption and hope. But let’s see what we can learn from some minor characters in the Bible. As the story of David and our experience with our oldest illustrate, God’s destiny for our lives does not change because of our circumstances. His lifespan probably covered almost all of the first century A.D. Does the condition of your health (physical or mental/emotional) affect your faith? Although the woman in this passage was unnamed, her story of faith is unforgettable and inspires me to never give up. He is the herald of the mysteries of God, especially the Incarnation of God and all other mysteries related to it. Hope is what keeps us going when our desires seem to go unfulfilled and hard times come our way. Difficulty comes in all shapes and sizes. Elizabeth's story is much like Hannah's, her faith just as strong. Yet the great faith they instilled in Moses paid huge dividends, as did the great faith they instilled in their older son, Aaron, and oldest child, Miriam. Is your faith based on the outcome of your difficult situation? If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.". There were many moments in David’s life that were not how he would have pictured it. Have you ever been in a position where you had the opportunity or responsibility to act, but were too afraid? God set up His people for an incredible future of redemption and hope. These Bible stories about trusting God will inspire you to overcome circumstances and inspire your faith to believe. His greatest accomplishments were overthrowing Judah’s murderous queen, establishing a new monarch, leading a national revival, and restoring the Temple to its former glory. Sometimes difficulty isn’t a drastic tragedy, but the busy chaos of managing life. When he was young, Jacob had a relationship with his brother Esau that was complicated at best. Isaac’s son Jacob lived to be 147 years old (Genesis 47:28). Sometimes during difficult times we simply need to remember God. The more difficult things get for him, the closer he becomes to God. In my experience, the moment I hear bad news, I immediately go into worst-case scenario mode and I’m suddenly overtaken by torrents of anxiety and feelings of helplessness as a result. https://deepspirituality.com/wp-content/uploads/speaker/post-10002197.mp3?cb=1674004438.mp3. There is no doubt that Esther felt a little out of her element, as a new, young queen. 'The Church is not in decline,' says missiologist, YouVersion Bible app hires former Facebook exec to fuel growth, A Chinese New Year of 'weaponised surveillance', The Archbishop who challenged violence and corruption - and paid with his life. 14 And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, 16 And he will turn many of the children of Israel to the Lord their God, 17 and he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the disobedient to the wisdom of the just, to make ready for the Lord a people prepared.”. Noah lived to be 950 years old (Genesis 9:29). It is at these moments that we are most vulnerable to failure, rejection, and humiliation, and it is as a result that we are torn between deciding whether we should face those fears or freeze up or run away to avoid them. Ruth stuck by Naomi when she felt bitter and alone, but then Naomi decided to help Ruth too: One day Ruth’s mother-in-law Naomi said to her, “My daughter, I must find a home for you, where you will be well provided for.”. David embraced difficult times because he believed his future was in the hands of a God that loved him. Their stories are told in Luke 2:25-38. Maybe you come up with a lot of reasons or excuses for why you shouldn’t be the one to act. How do you respond when faced with the consequences of your mistakes? Zechariah & Elizabeth: Trusting God when a longing is unfulfilled, 4. When God reveals who he is to Moses in Exodus 34:6-7, this is how he describes himself: “Yahweh, Yahweh, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, overflowing with loyal love and faithfulness .” He is one of the best examples of someone in the Bible who kept messing up, causing conflict, and acting selfishly. In spite of whatever demands were placed on her, she was motivated to serve the people despite whatever she had to do. What remarkable trust in God’s sovereignty and providence! WebA throwaway woman, a blind beggar, a prison guard, a doubting disciple, and an elderly couple—they were ordinary people touched by Jesus. 8.3 Remind yourself of God’s goodness. God is with us to help, and He has also given us His armor. Even in spite of those things, trusting God means you continue to turn to Him, and away from the naysayers. God did this when Abraham and Sarah were 100 and 90 years old, respectively. Noah knew that God was God, so He should be served, trusted and obeyed. 3 Verses 5 to 6 [5 ] Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. The excuse Esther gave was valid – she could die! It’s known throughout the land, from the greatest of the king’s officials to the common folk who live in the provinces, that any person who approaches the king in the inner chamber without being invited is sentenced to death. Up until then, mankind had no experience with great floods, let alone with massive ship building. As a leader, she was not someone who wanted to change the world in a big way or make big changes to society. Naomi was in a similar position. He also deeply loved his fellow brothers and sisters in Christ—and rejoiced greatly when they walked in the truth. The question was whether he would keep running, or would he trust that God would be able to help him, despite his many mistakes? Understandably, Naomi questioned God’s love for her and didn’t see how anyone could understand or help her through her pain. What is your approach to dealing with adversity? They are an example of people who understood longing unfulfilled – the heartache of being denied something you long for and not knowing why. She had visited many doctors and had spent all she had on treatments. God called him to leave all his kindred and birthplace in order to take him, … How do you respond when given the chance to step up? I really don’t know how she did all of that. Let’s not forget that Enoch too was a prophet. We may feel like no one understands or cares about what we are going through. 3. Her response was as follows: 11 “All the king’s servants and the people of the king’s provinces know that if any man or woman goes to the king inside the inner court without being called, there is but one law—to be put to death, except the one to whom the king holds out the golden scepter so that he may live. Zechariah’s story is a story that illustrates God’s faithfulness, as well as what a life of faith means to a person who lives by faith. Samson’s character demonstrates that in the bible, heroic potential … Trying something new may be the last thing on your mind, especially when you have a chronic health challenge or are in the midst of long-standing troubles. The Bible gives us a few people whose lives show just how faithful God is; that He does what He says and simply surpasses our limited imaginations. Our vulnerable prayers unlock a deeper level of intimacy with God. [6] In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. The power that he possesses is beyond our ability to comprehend. The pastor to senior citizens at a huge church shocked me. God moved through their loyal friendship to help them find healing, hope, and an incredible future. Seeing God move through my struggles has helped my faith grow. Learning from Jesus to see past our failures and find our potential. He is willing to work with us through our pain and defenses to transform us into someone new by overcoming our pain and defenses. The apostle Paul explains what this test proved: it proved that Abraham believed God would raise Isaac from the dead (Hebrews 11:17-19). Deborah was a great example of this. The Greatness of God. Joshua: Leaders rule by example rather than command. Amram and Jochebed deserve our utmost respect. Mary of Nazareth. At age 75, he turned from idols. I cannot hear because I’m bent over with agony. Many of us Christians find it hard to believe that God can and will do good things to us and for us, especially the things we think we don't deserve. This experience can occur in our lives from time to time. David was anointed King of Israel, was hailed a hero for conquering Goliath, led numerous successful military campaigns, became head of military operations for Israel, married the king’s daughter – he had it all going for him. Their faith allowed for contentment with whatever the outcome. That is, the walls imploded everywhere except one spot (Rahab’s house and those next to it). God guided the Israelites to the exact place he wanted them to be, right on the edge of the Red Sea. If you keep reading her story, you’ll see that Esther does in fact speak to the king and saves her people. Got it. [23] After taking them to the other side, he sent over all his possessions. Yet for Isaiah, three years were spent naked and barefoot (Isaiah 20:2-4). We read that “she gave thanks to God and spoke about the child to all who were looking forward to the redemption of Jerusalem” (Luke 2:38). Many of us don't know God and can't trust Him, but Christ came to show us who God really is and what His desires for us are: "And this is the will of Him who sent Me, that everyone who sees the Son and believes in Him may have everlasting life; and I will raise him up at the last day." Rembrandt, Saul and David, c. 1655-60. Article Images Copyright ©. [26] Then the man said, “Let me go, for the dawn is breaking!” But Jacob said, “I will not let you go unless you bless me.” [27] “What is your name?” the man asked. Both followed God faithfully … Archeologists call it Jericho City IV. We read about this incredible honor in 2 Chronicles 25:16: “He was buried among the kings in the City of David, because he had done so much good in Israel for God and his Temple.” The king who ordered the assassination of Jehoiada’s godly son, however, wasn’t buried in the royal cemetery. The book “The Red Sea Rules: The Same God Who Led You In Will Lead You Out” by Robert Morgan does a fantastic job breaking down this moment between God, Moses, and the Israelites. Enoch lived to be 365 years old (Genesis 5:23). If you keep reading his story, Jacob ends up reconciling with his brother after wrestling with God. Samuel The last of Israel’s judges and the prophet who anoints both Saul and David as king. He chose to turn to God, but this decision wasn’t an easy one. When Esther was given the opportunity to step forward and take the lead, she said, “No way! We can look to her as an example for how to handle the chaos of our daily lives. No wonder John often is called “the apostle of love.” Then again, make no mistake: John wasn’t in love with love. When they arrived in Bethlehem, the whole town was stirred because of them, and the women exclaimed, “Can this be Naomi?” [20] “Don’t call me Naomi, ” she told them. Would he continue running, or trust that God would pull through for him despite his many mistakes? Moses lived to be 120 years old (Deuteronomy 34:7) and his older siblings were even older when they died (see Numbers 20:22-29 and Numbers 20:1). When we go through hard times, it can be easy to feel alone. It is also important to note that they are also able to remain faithful while waiting on God. 4 and 5), who inspired the Israelites to a mighty victory over their Canaanite oppressors (the people who lived in the Promised Land, later Palestine, that Moses spoke of before its conquest by the Israelites); the “Song of Deborah” (Judg. David was mentioned multiple times in the Bible as a man who followed God and was sensitive to the leadership of God in his life. Esther’s cousin and adopted father, Mordecai, asked her to stand up for her people. Imagine having been married for a long time, unable to have kids and living in a culture that measured God’s love for you by the number of children you have. The experiences that these people have show us that God can do the impossible, and that we can and should trust Him to prove Himself faithful and good. He remained wholeheartedly loyal to God. One of our dear friends lived to be 101. His name is Jesus Christ. Abraham and … In the end, he chose to turn to God, but it wasn’t an easy decision to make. If we endure, we shall also reign with Him. During a time when her people were in exile, Esther had every reason to keep her Jewish heritage a secret and just try to get by. It could have been expressing your feelings, speaking up for a friend, or even speaking up to a friend that moved you to express your feelings. Like every other Old Testament hero of the faith, Abraham wasn’t perfect. I am afraid that he is coming to attack me, along with my wives and children. We see this a third time when Joseph is promoted to Egypt’s supreme leader under Pharaoh’s authority. Now my household fills two large camps! Daniel 3 gives us their account. Though her two daughters-in-law tried to stick with her, Naomi refused to be comforted and pushed relationships away. Mordecai, Esther’s cousin and adopted father, asked her to speak up for her people on behalf of the Jews. Elijah – Was suicidal. We all have a picture of how we want our life to play out. Then again, everyone has heard of their three famous children: Moses, Aaron, and Miriam. He’s 100 percent trustworthy. There are times when a difficult situation isn’t an outright tragedy, but rather the busy chaos of trying to manage one’s life. 11 Please deliver me from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau, for I fear him, that he may come and attack me, the mothers with the children. With the water at their backs, and Pharaoh and the Egyptians bearing down on them, it was only God who could provide a way it. Despite Esther’s fear, she did not stop being afraid. Zechariah Elizabeth: Trusting God when a longing is unfulfilled. But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Of course, humanly speaking there would have been no humans, animals, reptiles, and other creatures unless Noah had done something great for God before the flood. And for Daniel, three episodes were spent facing near-certain death (Daniel 1, Daniel 2, and Daniel 6). The story of Zechariah and Elizabeth is about the faithfulness of God, and what it means to live by faith. What inspires me about Zechariah and Elizabeth is their ability to trust God in the midst of a longing unfulfilled. (see John 6:40), "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.". His book and Bible projects have been published by Zondervan, Tyndale, Thomas Nelson, Doubleday, and Amazon. Then again, that’s not what’s important. There is an intimacy between us and God that can only be achieved through our vulnerable prayers. 2. Hopelessness, confusion, anger, depression? By remembering God’s faithfulness in our times of waiting and choosing to live by faith ourselves, we can have hope during times of waiting. “From now on you will be called Israel, because you have fought with God and with men and have won.” [29] “Please tell me your name,” Jacob said. Hers was just bigger. Like every other biblical character who did great things for God in his old age, Adam sinned. For 120 years prior to the flood, Noah and his sons constructed a massive ark. God is an “outside-the-box” thinker. This is the story of Zechariah and Elizabeth, a couple described as “very old,” and “childless.”. Adam and Eve live together in Paradise (or what the Bible calls the Garden of Eden) until they disobey God by eating fruit from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. Not surprisingly, John uses the word “love” more than the other three Gospels combined. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Later, the Lord blessed Job with twice as many possessions and 10 more children.
Mit Wem Ist Mark Waschke Verheiratet, Alwara Höfels Keinohrhasen, Around The Year Ideenreise, Horst Krause Jung,
list of bible characters who trusted god