Charles Swindoll tells a story we have all heard about the meaning of trust. This is what he sent me yesterday in an email, and I quote form him:
"I love the story of the little boy who watched a tightrope walker as he crossed a deep gorge—without a net below or a safety-line connected to his waist. The child was fascinated by the man's calm confidence. Before walking back, the man announced that, this time, he would push a wheelbarrow. Everyone applauded, including the young lad, who stared in amazement.
The man looked at the lad and said, "Do you believe I can do this?" Without hesitation, the child answered, "Yes sir . . . I really do!" "Okay," responded the man. Then he added, "If you really believe I can, then get in!"
Suddenly everything changed. Before, mere fascination was enough . . . but this required perfect trust. There are chasms all of us must cross. They invoke fear and intimidation. They cost us sleep, as we toss and turn through the night. Hope for relief is tightrope thin, and the odds against us are as frightening as that tightrope walker plunging to his death.
At some point, we're reminded of God's promise: And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) Those words fascinate us. We think, I believe You are able to do this, Lord. Our thoughts are sincere, but then He responds: "If you really believe I can, then get in!" Suddenly fascination must change to trust. Quite likely, you're there today. Either you're going to quit worrying and start trusting, or you're going to continue living a toss-and-turn existence.
[Editor's comment: I am believing God for a creative miracle in my body. I want my believing to turn into trust. I know in my heart I can trust the Lord Who redeemed me when I was only six years of age. I want to thank God for a vacation Bible school teacher who uses a flannel graft board and explained the Gospel to me in a language I could understand. My heart was tender toward God, and I loved Jesus. So, I gladly and freely repented of my sins, confessed them to God, and He saved me. I remember it today. I will be 84 years old on December 15. I believe Jesus heals. He has healed me many times. He is a merciful God. What a Savior! What a marvelous Healer and Provider! I implore you to freely trust Jesus now for what you need.]
"I love the story of the little boy who watched a tightrope walker as he crossed a deep gorge—without a net below or a safety-line connected to his waist. The child was fascinated by the man's calm confidence. Before walking back, the man announced that, this time, he would push a wheelbarrow. Everyone applauded, including the young lad, who stared in amazement.
The man looked at the lad and said, "Do you believe I can do this?" Without hesitation, the child answered, "Yes sir . . . I really do!" "Okay," responded the man. Then he added, "If you really believe I can, then get in!"
Suddenly everything changed. Before, mere fascination was enough . . . but this required perfect trust. There are chasms all of us must cross. They invoke fear and intimidation. They cost us sleep, as we toss and turn through the night. Hope for relief is tightrope thin, and the odds against us are as frightening as that tightrope walker plunging to his death.
At some point, we're reminded of God's promise: And this same God who takes care of me will supply all your needs from his glorious riches, which have been given to us in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:19) Those words fascinate us. We think, I believe You are able to do this, Lord. Our thoughts are sincere, but then He responds: "If you really believe I can, then get in!" Suddenly fascination must change to trust. Quite likely, you're there today. Either you're going to quit worrying and start trusting, or you're going to continue living a toss-and-turn existence.
[Editor's comment: I am believing God for a creative miracle in my body. I want my believing to turn into trust. I know in my heart I can trust the Lord Who redeemed me when I was only six years of age. I want to thank God for a vacation Bible school teacher who uses a flannel graft board and explained the Gospel to me in a language I could understand. My heart was tender toward God, and I loved Jesus. So, I gladly and freely repented of my sins, confessed them to God, and He saved me. I remember it today. I will be 84 years old on December 15. I believe Jesus heals. He has healed me many times. He is a merciful God. What a Savior! What a marvelous Healer and Provider! I implore you to freely trust Jesus now for what you need.]