Hand In Hand

But as for me, I trust in You, O LORD, I say, “You are my God.” Psalm 31:14

Faith and trust, there are no two things that go hand in hand any better than these two. Many may think that these two words are synonymous with each other, and all though they are a perfect match, they are distinctly different. So what is the difference? Faith believes for something specific, while trust believes in something or someone specific.

In Mathew, Mark and Luke we see the amazing story of a woman who had “specific faith.” She needed healing because she had been bleeding for twelve years and not a single doctor could help her find the cure, which had driven her to bankruptcy. On this one particular day, she heard Jesus of Nazareth would be passing through her town. His reputation as a “Healer” preceded Him and her faith rose up and became strong, and as faith does, it speaks. She said, “If I can just touch the hem of His garment I will be healed.”

Sure enough, she “pressed through the crowd,” touched His garment and was instantly healed. Her faith was so specific! Jesus stopped and told a disciple that He felt virtue, or power, leave Him at the moment of her touch. He stopped to speak to her and get her story and then He said, “Woman, your faith has made you whole.” The word “whole” is the word “Sozo,” which means to be saved, healed, delivered, preserved, protected, made prosperous, made whole. She got so much more than she came for that day. Remember, she had spent “all she had” on doctor bills trying to get better. She believed “for” her healing and received it all!

In the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego found in Daniel chapter three, we see the perfect picture of “faith and trust” coming together. These three young Hebrew men refused to bow down to the kings idol, thus the sentence of “death by fiery furnace” was handed down. Look at how they responded in verses 16-18; 16 Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego replied, “O Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you. 17 If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God whom we serve is able to save us. He will rescue us from your power, Your Majesty. 18 But even if he doesn’t, we want to make it clear to you, Your Majesty, that we will never serve your gods or worship the gold statue you have set up.”

They had specific faith that they would be delivered from the blazing furnace, but also trusted in their God enough to say, that even if they weren’t delivered they still wouldn’t bow down. They were indeed delivered from that blazing furnace, and when the king looked in the furnace from a distance he said to those around him, “Look!” he answered, “I see four men loose, walking in the midst of the fire; and they are not hurt, and the form of the fourth is like the Son of God.” Jesus Himself showed up on their behalf!

Maybe today you know exactly what you are to have specific faith for like that woman. If so, let me encourage you today to fan that flame of faith and “build yourself up in your most holy faith.”

But, maybe you have a need or desire today and you don’t know specifically what to ask for. For example, you may be asking God to bring that soul mate into your life. That person who is specifically designed for you, but you may not have a clue who that is. Then trust! Trust that if you remain pliable like putty in His hands, which is to “delight yourself in the Lord,” that He will give you the desires of your heart.

One thing I know for sure. When you let faith and trust walk hand in hand in your life, Jesus will always show up on your behalf!