Trusting in God vs. Trusting in Man

Opening Scripture

“Thus says the Lord: ‘Cursed is the man who trusts in man and makes flesh his strength, whose heart departs from the Lord. Blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, and whose hope is the Lord.’”
Jeremiah 17:5,7 (NKJV)

The Danger of Trusting in Man

Trusting in people or in our own abilities can lead to disappointment, failure, and even spiritual ruin. The Bible warns that when we rely on human strength alone, we place ourselves in a cursed position. People are flawed, limited, and prone to making mistakes. Even our own wisdom and confidence can mislead us if they are not rooted in God’s truth.

The Blessing of Trusting in God

On the other hand, those who trust in the Lord are blessed. God is unchanging, all-powerful, and always faithful. He sees the full picture of our lives and guides us according to His perfect plan. When we depend on Him, we receive security, peace, and strength that no human effort can provide.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5-6 (NKJV)

Seeking God’s Presence for Guidance

God desires to lead us, but we must make the effort to seek Him. Prayer and time in His Word allow us to hear His voice clearly. The enemy will try to keep us distracted and distant from God because he knows that when we are close to the Lord, we gain strength and discernment to overcome temptation and hardship.

God’s Plan Requires Cooperation

God has a purpose for each of us, but we must be willing to follow His process. Sometimes, His guidance requires patience, faith, and endurance. The enemy tries to fight our prayer life because he knows that through prayer, we receive wisdom, direction, and power to resist his attacks.

“Be still, and know that I am God.”
Psalm 46:10 (NKJV)

Stillness before God allows us to hear His voice and understand His plan. If we rush ahead without waiting on Him, we risk stepping outside of His will.

The Power of Obedience and Faith

True success comes from walking in obedience to God. Those who yield to His Spirit experience divine blessings and provision. The Bible shows countless examples of people who trusted God, obeyed His direction, and saw miraculous breakthroughs.

When we prioritize God over material things and personal ambition, He provides all we need. This requires faith, but God always rewards those who diligently seek Him.

“But seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you.”
Matthew 6:33 (NKJV)

Final Encouragement: Trust in God’s Hands

Like clay in the hands of the potter, we must allow God to shape our lives. If we harden our hearts and resist His molding, we risk becoming useless in His plan. But if we remain humble, willing, and obedient, He will make us into vessels of honor.

“But now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand.”
Isaiah 64:8 (NKJV)

Let’s make the decision today to trust in God completely, seek His presence daily, and obey His voice, knowing that His way is always best.

Faithful Stewards

Opening Scripture

 “Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2, NKJV)

Servants of Christ

As believers, we are called to consider ourselves as servants of Christ, entrusted with the mysteries of God. This means that we are not our own, but have been bought with a price. Our lives are to be lived in service to the King of kings, faithfully carrying out the tasks and responsibilities He has given us.

Stewards of God’s Gifts

Not only are we servants, but we are also stewards – managers of the blessings and resources that God has entrusted to our care. Whether it’s our finances, our relationships, our talents, our social stewardship or our very lives, we are accountable to God for how we handle these precious gifts. Faithfulness in stewardship is of utmost importance.

The Requirement of Faithfulness

The Scripture makes it clear that as stewards, we are required to be found faithful. This is not an option, but a mandate. God expects us to be trustworthy, diligent, and obedient in the roles He has assigned to us. When we are faithful, we bring glory to His name and further His kingdom on earth.

Disciplining with Love

As parents, we have the responsibility to discipline our children with love and wisdom. Though it may not always be easy, the Bible instructs us to correct our children, for it is an act of true love. By setting boundaries and guiding them in the right path, we are preparing them for a life of success and righteousness.

Yielding Peaceful Fruit

While discipline may seem grievous in the moment, it ultimately yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness. Though our children may not understand or appreciate it at the time, the correction we provide will bear lasting fruit in their lives. As we faithfully steward the precious lives entrusted to us, we can trust that God will use our efforts to shape them into the people He has called them to be.

Modeling Godly Leadership

As fathers, we are called to be leaders in our homes, modeling what it means to walk in obedience and submission to God. By taking responsibility for the discipline and training of our children, we are not only shaping their character but also demonstrating the kind of leadership they are to emulate. Our children will learn from our example, so let us strive to be faithful, patient, and steadfast in our role as spiritual leaders. Let us embrace our identity as servants of Christ, stewards of God’s gifts, and godly parents. May we be found faithful in all that we do, trusting that the Lord will use our obedience to accomplish His perfect will. As we walk in faithfulness, may we experience the joy and peace that comes from pleasing our Heavenly Father and raising up the next generation to follow in His ways.