As Christians, we’re called to trust God as our anchor. Instead of relying only on what people say or what circumstances look like, ask God for guidance through prayer and His Word.
Today, many Christians have derailed from God’s instructions and direction; they now depend on what they hear from others or what their circumstances look like. This is clear proof that we are all exposed to things that are not consistent with God’s Word. Psalm 12:2 tells us that everyone lies to their neighbour. If everyone lies to their neighbour, who then can we believe? We can believe God as the only reliable source of all that we need. If you can believe, worry and anxiety will vanish. If you believe, then all things are possible.
In John 3:1–2, Nicodemus visits Jesus Christ to find out the truth, seeking to be sure of all things so that he could fully trust the Saviour. Nicodemus understood that knowing God could not be only about His Word but also about learning His ways. We are to ensure that all things are true and hold on to that which is true. Jesus Christ encouraged Nicodemus on how growth could be achieved: if something must grow, it must start small. If one’s faith must grow, it has to start in a weak form. Remember that God Almighty does not mind doubt as long as we are seeking an answer from Him in the midst of doubt.
Therefore, if you are seeking salvation in the midst of doubt, God will not mind. Why? Because, in the end, your doubt will move you closer to Him. Moreover, because you have a genuine desire to be saved, you will find the strength to trust God, and your faith will grow even stronger. People of God, in the process of finding out the truth, we need to get familiar with God through His Word and by His Spirit because we can count on God’s Word being good. That Word cannot fail without God failing.
It is the Word of His grace that builds faith in the hearts of believers; therefore, not only must you have God’s Word in order to be a real witness for Christ Jesus, but you must also have God’s Spirit, because God’s Word refreshes our minds while God’s Spirit renews our strength. Thus, when you take the Word of God to heart and truly make it part of you, it will, by its very nature, change you, and when it does, you will find yourself called to act. Many people today try to get familiar with God through their feelings; however, feelings are mostly influenced by what we see, hear, read, or what our circumstances look like. If our faith and feelings can be controlled like that, then we can be Christians and yet be manipulated by satanic devices.
Because of what they heard, many people developed deep hatred for people they have not met before. Nicodemus never did that because he was not a man who could be swayed by the opinions of others. Being a man of principle, he decided to confirm the truth. He did not just sit somewhere, listening to tales here and there, and then jump to conclusions. In 1 Thessalonians 5:21, we are told to make sure of all things and hold on to that which is true; in other words, as Christians, make sure that those in whom you trust are under the leading of God’s Spirit so that you will not be misled. No doubt, many claim to be Christians but are not such in heart.
Brethren, let us learn to ask God only, not man, by reading and meditating on His Word day and night.
Emmanuel!
Prayer: O Holy Spirit, help me to know You more and continue to teach me Your ways, in Jesus Christ’s name. Amen.