Trusting God and forgiving go together
Chapter 13
by Gini Crawford, MSW
Benefit of trusting God
When we trust God, it gives us great benefit for now and forever (Jeremiah 17:5-8). Trust boils down to who or what you choose to rely on, depend on, or have confidence in. We need to remember that we were created to trust, so when we don't trust God, we automatically trust in something else such as ourselves, our friends, our education, a job or even social media.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. Proverbs 3:5-8 NIV®
Thinking of Joseph again. His brothers' evil deed almost cost him his life, and made him a slave and then a prisoner for many years. What gave Joseph the strength to survive and even flourish in his ordeal and then forgive his brothers? It was Joseph's trust in God and His plans.
Trust God's plans to forgive
Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God’s plans for our lives are the best for us. Jeremiah 29:11 is one of those Bible verses I repeat to myself quite often, because as we all know, life isn’t easy. I need to remind myself that God is in loving control of my life, and wants my best, not calamity. You too?
"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV®
How does trusting in God's plans fit into forgiving? When an offense is done to you and you find it hard to forgive, remind yourself, "God is working this hurt for my welfare and not calamity". Yes I know sometimes things just feel like calamity. But truth is, God's plans for our lives are the plans that we need for our maturity in Jesus now, and for the best future in eternity. I have been involved in politics for many years, and many politicians promise hope, but it never seems to materialize. God's hope is a certain hope that starts now for us and goes on for eternity. (Romans 5:1-5, 8:18; 2 Corinthians 4:16-5:1).
A couple was out canoeing in a lake with no life vests, and they tipped over. Neither of them could swim so they were terrified and kind of went crazy. They weren’t even hanging onto the floating canoe. The lifeguard (who was my teacher) was their only hope of survival. He swam out to them with two life preservers. The woman trusted in the lifeguard and listened to him and grabbed the help he brought, the life preserver. The man on the other hand, didn’t trust in his only hope and was fighting the lifeguard even to the point of hitting and drowning him. The lifeguard had to knock him out to save his life. Jesus is our lifeguard. He brings us eternal hope. Grab hold of Jesus and trust Him to give you what you need to forgive even when you feel you are drowning in hurt. (Colossians 1:27).
Life Application
The blessings of trust
God takes our hurts and makes them eternal blessings if we trust Him through them. Ongoing hurts or trials, can certainly nag our minds making us depressed, angry or stressed. Yet, we can face our hurts with joy if our trust is in God. Read James 1:2-5. This is because God takes our hurts and uses them to refine us – much like gold is refined by fire getting the impurities out – exposing our sins. Trials prove the reality and the strength of our trust in God, and let us have the Christlikeness to shine forth in His holiness, righteousness and peace. Read Hebrews 12:7-11; 1 Peter 1:3-9. Explain how God uses trials in our lives.
We need to be putting our trust in God, not others, to meet our needs. Peoples' natural instincts are self-seeking, so people will sooner or later hurt us. So trusting in people instead of God isn't wise, and will bring wounding situations. Consequently trusting God Who only wants what's best for you, will bring blessings, and make your life fruitful. Read Jeremiah 17:5-8. I live in the desert so I can easily envision Jeremiah 17:5-8. In our yard the trees have lavish green leaves and seasonal blooming (that give us all allergies) because they get plenty of water. However, the trees in the surrounding desert wilderness struggle. When we rely on Jesus our lives will flourish in Him, and we will have the desire and strength to forgive.
Let's end with the oh so true statement of Joseph, in Genesis 50:20, "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done..." People harm us leading to hurts. Many times they don't realize they are hurting or are so self-absorbed they don't care. Yet, sometimes because of jealousy, etc. they want to harm us. No matter what the motivation, to be hurt by another is disheartening. Yet, we can be reassured God is using the sinful actions of others for our good. No one's harmful actions can separate us from God's love. (Romans 8:28-39).
Write a sentence explaining why trusting in God will help you to forgive someone.
Dear Jesus, people hurt us in different ways - some are negative innuendos, some cut to our hearts and others are abusive. Help me to trust in You so I let go of even the most heart wrenching hurts.