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.

The Roar Is Just a Distraction

Opening Scripture

“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to help him up.”
—Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 (NKJV)

The Roar Is Just a Distraction

The enemy wants to isolate you, just like a lion separates prey from its group. Satan roars loudly in our lives, trying to shake us with fear and doubt. But remember: his roar can only scare—you belong to God, and no roar can destroy you unless you let it.

1. The Devil’s Roar: A Deceptive Threat

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour.”
—1 Peter 5:8 (NKJV)

A lion’s roar is meant to scare prey into running—this is where the real danger begins. In panic, prey moves away from safety, separating from their group and exposing themselves to an ambush.

Similarly, the devil uses fear to isolate us. When we’re overwhelmed, ashamed, or discouraged, we might stop reaching out to others. We might avoid church, skip prayer, or withdraw from those who could help. But that’s when we become the most vulnerable!

Ask Yourself: Is It a Blessing or Bait?

Not every opportunity, voice, or feeling is from God. What seems good could be a trap. Fear and urgency are often signs of bait, not blessing. Be still and ask: Is this pushing me closer to God or pulling me away?

2. Don’t Fear the Storm—Calm the Source

“And a great windstorm arose, and the waves beat into the boat, so that it was already filling… Then He arose and rebuked the wind, and said to the sea, ‘Peace, be still!'”
—Mark 4:37-39 (NKJV)

In Mark 4, the disciples panicked because their boat was filling with water. But Jesus didn’t focus on the waves; He rebuked the wind that caused the storm.

Often, we fixate on the visible problem, but God wants to deal with the root. Fear and doubt are the “roars” in your storm. Trust God to calm the source, not just the symptoms.

3. Stay Connected—We’re Stronger Together

When life gets hard, the worst thing you can do is isolate yourself. God designed us to lean on one another. Be intentional about staying connected to other believers who will pray for you, encourage you, and help you back up when you fall.

“Two are better than one… For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.”
—Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

4. Men: Lead Your Families Through the Roar

As spiritual leaders, men have a responsibility to guide their families in faith. The enemy roars the loudest at households led by godly men. Your job is not to panic over the waves but to stand firm, pointing your family toward Christ.

Hold On: God’s Voice Is Greater Than the Roar

When you open your heart in prayer, God’s Word pierces through every fear. His truth doesn’t bounce off—it lands with power. The roar is loud, but it’s empty compared to God’s authority.

“And have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him.”
—Colossians 3:10 (NKJV)

No matter how loud the roar, stand still. Remember, “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). Don’t let fear push you into the ambush—listen for God’s voice and walk in His strength.

Final Thought: The lion’s roar may startle, but it cannot defeat you. Stay close to God, surround yourself with faithful companions, and trust the One who calms every storm.