Monday, April 21, 2008

Learning to Trust (Sermon: Acts 8:1-8)

Trust in the Lord is not something we are born with; it is something that we learn. It's difficult to trust. Something inside of us wants to remain in control, and yet, most of life is out of our control. But do not fear, God is in control. We fear the unknown. We worry about the uncertainty of our future. But do not worry, the future may be unknown to us, but God sees tomorrow as clear as yesterday.

As Saul and others began persecuting the early church, they scattered in fear. I can't blame them for being afraid, but as we now look back in hindsight, we can see that they had nothing to be afraid of. As for the church, God intended the persecution to spread missionaries all over the world. It was part of His plan. As for those who lost their lives, remember what Jesus taught: "And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell" (Matt 10:28). John wrote of the revelation that God gave him: "I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. 10 They cried out with a loud voice, "O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?" 11 Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been" (Rev 6:9-11). What a great reward was waiting for those who gave their lives, as Paul said: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain" (Phil 1:21).

We see all throughout scripture how God has protected and provided for His people. We have so many reasons to have faith in the Lord and to trust Him completely. So why is it still so difficult to practice trust? For one, recognizing that God has provided for others is a matter of our mind and our reason, but trusting God with our own lives is a matter of the heart. Our heart--our will and our desires--is reluctant to change. So we must constantly surrender new areas of our heart and allow God to mold us and shape us into the image of His Son. Trust in Him comes little by little, but take heart, oak trees don't grow over night.

There are two things that may help you to learn to trust the Lord. First, as you read the scriptures, watch how God never fails those who trust in Him. Second, look back at your own life and recognize how God has been faithful to you in the past. As you meditate on these things, you should find a source of strength to help you to learn to trust Him even more.

2 comments:

Unknown said...

Thanks Kevin! I needed that! You have given me much to think about -- and it has nothing ot do with food! Imagine that!

Anonymous said...

Respected Pastor Kevin,
I am Pastor Paparao from India. I am so blessed to read your wonderful sermon about THE LIMITS OF GOD'S GRACE. I am so inspired and blessed to read this great sermon. Yes, God's grace is unlimited. I am blessed today to read many of your sermons. Thank you Pastor.

Is it possible for you to pray to have a Missionary visit to India...? If you can come, I want to conduct Pastors seminary for 3 days where you and your fellow pastors can share the word of God to encourage about 400 pastors and evangelists. In Indai, we need encouragement to go to the villages where the gospel was never proclaimed before. People are perishing with out knowing God. The harvest is ripen and we need labourers to work. Millions of people are perising with out knowing Jesus Christ. So, Please pray for India. Thankk you Pastor.

I give my mailing address here under:

Pastor. paparao
Plot 18, D.No. 3-19-6
Kannayyakapunagar
Kakinad-533003, A.P.
India

ypaparao@yahoo.com

Thank you very much. Please help me with your sermons. Thanky ou sir.

With kind regards,

Pastor. Paparao

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