Daily Dose 7-8-11

1 Chronicles 5:20 They were helped in fighting them, and God delivered the Hagrites and all their allies into their hands, because they cried out to him during the battle. He answered their prayers, because they trusted in him.

The children of Israel were accustomed to physical wars and battles in life. They had the stories passed through generations accounting God’s faithfulness in battle, and they experienced His protection and provision firsthand. This verse recounts another victory. At first blush you can assume God gave them the victory because they cried out to Him. But, at the end, you see it wasn’t their cry, but their trust that brought His favorable response. It’s easy to cry out – what we do after is what matters to God. We can cry out in anger, confusion, hurt and fear; but, if we end in trust, He is pleased and wants to honor our requests. Does that mean if we trust, we win every battle in life? Jesus would tell us no. He begged for the cross to be removed from His path, yet He trusted. Christ did endure the cross with all its suffering and shame, which seemed like defeat. Yet, the victory God brought from it was not only Christ’s victory over death, it became our victory over the chains of sin and a life separated from God. Are you enduring a tough battle? Are you facing a cruel cross? TRUST Him! He may not remove the obstacle or pain, but He will see you though it. Your victory may not look like what you wanted, but it may lead to salvation victories for generations to come when they tell of your great trust during trials.

Father, It’s so easy for me to cry out to You when life is tough. The trust part tends to be more challenging. My heart KNOWS to trust You, yet my brain doesn’t always get the message. Turn off the part of my mind that causes doubt and prick my heart to live a life of complete trust – no matter the circumstances. I love You; and may I show that love through my trust! Amen