I've studied the difference between trusting God and trusting in Him.  He has taken me deeper into this subject.  What I am learning is amazing to me. 

The word believe is thrown around like a baseball.  It is used in all kinds of ways:

I believe there is a God. 

I believe there is a God but I just can't accept Jesus. 

I don't believe he, her, whoever would do such a thing. 

Don't you believe me? 

I can't believe you said that! 

She sure made a believer out of me.

We use the word interchangeably for mental assent and trust.  Can you tell which is which in the sentences above?  Actually there is just one sentence that would really imply some sort of trust and then it could be questionable.  This would be the fourth sentence. 

What I am understanding is - belief, i.e., trust is a process.  (Remember the chair illustration in the last e-newsletter?)  We aren't saved because we believe but rather because we trust.  Eph. 2:8 & 9 says, "For by grace (unmerited favor) are you saved through faith (trust) and that not of yourself.  It is a gift of God, not of works (good stuff) lest you boast". 

I have heard many people say they were saved because of faith.  That is not what the Word says.  It says, "For by grace are you saved".  Faith opens the door to grace.  In fact, take the word faith and write it length ways down a piece of paper.  Now intersect the word faith with the word grace.  You will see a very clear illustration of salvation - the cross.

F

GR A CE

I

T

H

The cross represents salvation.  You can't come to the same conclusion if you try to put faith through grace.  It just doesn't work.  Saying a person is saved by faith through grace doesn't even sound right.  Not to me.  This is strong meat, i.e., deep stuff.  Check out 1st Corinthians 3:2 to pick up this meaning. 

In my writing with God on the 12th of July, I learned the process.  I never really saw it before.

"        Belief

"        Acceptance

"        Application

"        Praise

"        Gratitude

The completion of the process is gratitude.  The proof of the trust is gratitude.  Thanking God before you see or receive whatever you have asked for because you trust Him to do it or give it.  I've read it before but I didn't see it.  In James 1:5 - 8 it is very clear "5If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.  6But when he asks, he must believe (trust) and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.  7That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does."

There is a very interesting account of this truth in the Old Testament.  II Chronicles 20:1 - 30 shows how this deep truth is honored by God.  Be sure to read the account but pay particular attention to verse 21.  You may have to read it more than once to comprehend what is really taking place.  It defies what we would call common sense.  But then when you see the result…..well what can we say?

I've concluded that believing, trusting is a choice - a decision.  Not a wish or even a hope.  Phil. 4:6 & 7 is another confirmation.  Read and meditate on these verses and you will find the key again.  If you want to increase your trust, read Romans 10:17.  This is making a tremendous difference in my life.  I hope it will in yours.