I once heard a story of a man who got lost in the desert. After wandering around for a long time his throat became very dry, about that time he saw a little shack in the distance. He made his way over to the shack and found a water pump with a small jug of water and a note.
The note read: "pour all the water into the top of the pump to prime it, if you do this you will get all the water you need". Now the man had a choice to make, if he trusted the note and poured the water in and it worked he would have all the water he needed. If it didn’t work he would still be thirsty and he might die. Or he could choose to drink the water in the jug and get immediate satisfaction, but it might not be enough and he still might die. After thinking about it the man decided to risk it. He poured the entire jug into the pump and began to work the handle, at first nothing happened and he got a little scared but he kept going and water started coming out. So much water came out he drank all he wanted, took a shower, and filled all the containers he could find. Because he was willing to give up momentary satisfaction, he got all the water he needed. Now the note also said: after you have finished, please refill the jug for the next traveller.” The man refilled the jug and added to the note: “ Please prime the pump, believe me it works”!
We face the same choice everyday. Hold on to what we have in case we need it... or give it all up to God so that He can come through on His promises. Drink all the water we see or pour it in and trust? Temporary satisfaction or long-term provision? Here and now or now and later?
What are you afraid to give up? Are you holding on to the water you have or taking a “risk” that God will come through?
- Do you want to run your own life for fear that God can’t or won’t?
- Are you holding on to 100% of your income because tithing makes you nervous?
- What are you doing with your talents and abilities? Pouring them out for others?
When was the last time you asked yourself... “Do I really trust God?”
We claim to.... we tell others we do... we want to... but isn’t it risky?
Trusting God is not a risk.
“Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.” Psalm 9:10
“O Lord, I give my life to you.
I trust in you, my God!
Do not let me be disgraced,
or let my enemies rejoice in my defeat.
No one who trusts in you will ever be disgraced,
but disgrace comes to those who try to deceive others.” Psalm 25:1-3
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart;
do not depend on your own understanding.
Seek his will in all you do,
and he will show you which path to take.” Proverbs 3:5-6
“See, God has come to save me.
I will trust in him and not be afraid.
The Lord God is my strength and my song;
he has given me victory.” Isaiah 12:2
Verse after verse we are reminded that trusting God is important. But how?
Pour out what you see in front of you... give Him what you have and all of who you are. Not only will He come through... scripture tells us that He will provide more than you could ever produce on your own.
Give up trying to be God. Instead, allow yourself to trust. I know people around you can (and have) let your down. But God is not like that. He is trustworthy, proven, and bigger than the situation you face. He is worthy of our praise, King of all Kings, and takes great joy in watching His children succeed. He makes streams in the desert and mends the hearts of the hurting.
You can trust Him.
