Trusting Jesus
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me.” John 14:1
“Do you trust Jesus?” I had that question put to me when I appeared before the Board of Ordained Ministry. There had been a wide variety of difficult and challenging questions, but this one got right to the heart of the matter. Before I spoke a single word in reply, I felt a lump in my throat and a tear fell on my cheek. I finally found the ability to speak again and said, “Yes! I do! I wouldn't be doing this if that were not at the core of my heart. And I'm still learning how to trust him.”
I once saw a little girl at the beach and it was clear she was having a hard time. She wasn't crying, but I could tell from her expression that she was afraid. Her mother was with her, but her daddy was at edge of water facing her, calling to her, wanting her to come. I heard her mother gently, but firmly explain, “Daddy's right there. He won't let the waves get you.”
I heard her say loudly “No!”
I walked on by, and in my heart, I was hoping she would change her mind. It was a good 30 minutes later when I remembered that I had left my towel behind, so I had to retrace my steps along the shore. As I walked back, I saw the same little girl being carried willingly into water. She was ready to face the waves because she was safe in her daddy's arms.
Scripture says that God is our rock and refuge, a very present help in time of trouble. He is trustworthy and sent his own son to demonstrate how far he would go to keep us safe. When I've been in trouble, I have sometimes paid more attention to the waves around me than to the presence of Christ. I think of Peter walking on the waves of the ocean and I remember that he only began to sink when he took his eyes off of Jesus. Trusting Jesus is a step toward his open arms. He is always ready to receive you whether you need a word, a touch, or to be carried.