Trust in God

And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life? And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me. And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions. And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! (Mark 10:17-23)

Only lacking one thing? Sounds like a reason to celebrate! The Lord would probably give me a list. This rich young ruler asked Jesus what he needed to do, and Jesus pointed out an area of his life where he hadn’t fully trusted God. For that young man, it was money. What’s holding you back from going “all in”?

No one should doubt the man’s sincerity. He came running, knelt, and was respectful, having followed the law as he understood it. But Jesus saw beyond his nearly perfect actions to the depth of his trust. Jesus wasn’t just asking him for money; he was asking for his trust. If the man wanted Heaven’s life to appear here on earth, he would need to give up control over worldly things. You can have money and follow God. You can have a job, a degree, a house, and still take up your cross daily. But you can’t let any of those things be your source of security.

Practical Application

What is the one thing you wouldn’t want to give up if God asked for it? That’s the real test of your trust. Our trust shows itself through our surrender to God and His plan, not just through words. Pray a prayer of surrender and worship today, and show God that He can have it all.

Matthew 18:3; Matthew 19:23