Though there is nothing I can do to ever merit my salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9), I must bear in mind the Scriptural truth that faith and works are naturally coupled together. (i.e. James 2:14-26) I am to place my trust in God while also remaining willing to obey Him. That willingness to obey ought to be compelled by the genuine trust.
In the fourth verse (or third, depending on hymnal) of the hymn “Trust And Obey” (words by John H. Sammis, 1887) we read: “But we never can prove The delights of His love Until all on the altar we lay; For the favor He shows, And the joy He bestows, Are for those who will trust and obey.”
Trusting in my own way (note Hosea 10:13; Proverbs 3:5-8) will not bring the fullness of blessing God desires to provide. Until I am willing to place all of my life on the altar before God — surrendering and giving it up to Him as a living sacrifice (Romans 12:1) — I will not experience the depth of delight in His love, the fullness of His favor, or the joy He can bestow in life lived for Him. Trusting is accepting and obeying even when not understanding fully what God has in mind. That is what marked the faith of Abraham. (Hebrews 11:8) Trusting and obeying is Biblical faith!
May I remember the resolve of Hananiah, Mishael, and Azariah [also known as Shadrach Meshach, and Abednego] as the Scriptures record. . .
“(16) Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego answered and said to the king, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we have no need to answer you in this matter. (17) If this be so, our God whom we serve is able to deliver us from the burning fiery furnace, and he will deliver us out of your hand, O king. (18) But if not, be it known to you, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the golden image that you have set up.”” (Daniel 3:16-18 ESV)
Oh, yes. There is Biblical faith; trusting and obeying despite not fully knowing what was to come! God, help me to trust more fully to obey more willingly and so experience more completely the blessings of abiding in Your Sovereign Will!
Have a great day LIVING A LIFE THAT ANSWERS TO STEADFAST FAITH IN GOD!
Carl
