Trust in the Lord

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will make straight your paths.” Proverbs 3:5-6

Chances are if you are a Christian, you have read or at least heard the above verses. But, the danger of familiar verses is that we become so familiar with them that they lose their punch. We can quote them, but we don’t really know them. Such is the case with these verses. Do we really know them? Do we really trust God with ALL our heart? Or, do we lean on our logic, wisdom, understanding? I feel like lately, God has called me on the carpet, so to speak, and really challenged whether or not I trust Him. 

As many of you may (or may not) know, Regina and JJ and I recently moved from the island of kauai to a small farming village in Eastern Germany. (Is it just me or does that sentence sound crazy!) After the Lord led us away from Coastline Christian Fellowship in 2017, We served at Calvary Chapel North Shore for three years. As wonderful as Hawaii was, we couldn’t get away from the fact that God was calling us to something very different. It began to become clear that Hawaii was a wonderful time of rest and preparation. God was using us there and we were happy, but there was an aching inside because we knew that God was wanting to do something new in us. 

In 2016, I had the opportunity to travel to Germany on two different occasions. It was during these visits that God began to stir in my heart that we may end up there some day. But, to be quite honest, I had no idea how that would work. Then, as I mentioned, we ended up moving to Hawaii. But, in January of 2020 God began to make it clear to Regina and I both that Germany was indeed a reality. It’s hard to explain, but God used various ways to communicate this to us including; our desires, other Christians, words of prophecy, circumstances, etc. The bottom line was we knew in our hearts that we were supposed to leave Hawaii, leave the U.S.A. and move full time to Germany. Over the next year and a half we saw God confirm that calling. We experienced Him provide in ways that are only possible for God.

Yet, we also had times of serious doubt and questioning! To move across the ocean, away from our older kids, our parents, friends, ministry and to completely  hit the “reset” button at this stage in our lives DID NOT MAKE SENSE! But, the lesson that God kept teaching Regina and I was that we were to trust Him. We are called to obey Him even if it doesn’t make sense. You have no idea how many people asked (and still ask) us “why?” or “what are you going to do when you get there?”. The honest truth of the matter is that we didn’t know. In fact, even as I write this, I’m still not sure what God is going to do here. But, that’s the point to all of this. I’m learning that the “reasons” don’t matter. What matters is obedience. We are called to trust God even when it doesn’t make sense. At some point you have to “put your money where your mouth is.” I wish I could tell you that I’ve been a shining example of trust in the face of circumstances that don’t make sense. But, Regina is going to read this and she knows better! I have had plenty of doubtful days. However, by His grace He has helped us  every step of the way. 

It’s kind of weird to me. I feel like a lot of Christians forget that the the Christian life is one of faith. We never stop living by faith. We all tend to want to get to a place were we are comfortable and don’t have to trust God  anymore. I don’t thing we would say that out loud, but if we are honest, that is how many of us feel. The truth of the matter is that we never stop living by faith. In fact, I believe that God will constantly put us in circumstance where we are forced to trust Him. There will be times when you have to step out in faith not knowing how it will work out. 
All that to say… God is trustworthy. If He sent Jesus to bleed for our sins, it stands to reason we can trust Him with the rest of our lives! He has a perfect track record. He wants to do something greater in your life than you can imagine. He may not call you to go across the world, but He will call you to step out in faith. What is God asking you to trust Him in today? If you know God is asking you to step out in faith, don’t try to figure everything out first. Trust Him step by step. 

Thanks for your love and prayers and we serve Jesus here in Germany. Please pray that God will show us the next step in furthering His kingdom! Blessings

Jason Biel