Summary:

When we conquer our negative circumstances, we position ourselves for promotion. We must overcome the small issues in life that agitate us before we can move on to greater endeavors. God wants us to trust Him even when we feel we are able to take control. In doing this, we learn how to develop complete trust in Him.

  1. Jesus said, “Let not your heart be troubled” (John 14:1, 27, AMP).
    1. We do not have to allow our problems to agitate us.
      1. Agitation is a mental state of extreme emotional disturbance.
      2. Satan uses negative emotions to move us from the will of God for our lives.
    2. We must accept the responsibility of guarding our hearts against extreme emotional disturbances.
  2. How can we keep our hearts from being troubled?
    1. “Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee” (Isaiah 26:3).
      1. We must focus on God’s Word because His Word brings us peace.
      2. Speaking the Word out loud is a form of meditation. Meditating on the Word of God keeps us focused.
      3. Jesus was referring to His Word when He said, “Peace I leave with you; My [own] peace I now give and bequeath to you” (John 14:27, AMP).
    2. We must be honest with ourselves when we doubt God.
      1. Doubt is a form of fear.
      2. When we operate by fear, we give Satan access to our lives.
      3. Fear and faith work by the same principles—both come by hearing.
      4. Fear comes by hearing the words of Satan. Faith comes by hearing the Word of God.
    3. We must develop our trust in God.
      1. Our lack of trust in God produces fear.
      2. Satan wants us to fear that God’s promises will not come to pass in our lives.
  3. What is trust?
    1. Trust is an expression of our commitment to God.
      1. The three Hebrew boys (Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego) demonstrated ultimate trust (Daniel 3:15-18).
      2. They were willing to be burned in a fiery furnace rather than turn their backs on God.
      3. The young men decided to trust God, even if He didn’t come through.
      4. At times, we may be tempted to turn against God when He doesn’t help us get our way.
      5. However, our love for Him should not have conditions attached to it because He loves us unconditionally.
  4. Trust Versus Faith:
    1. Faith is confidence while trust is commitment.
      1. Faith can fail, but trust cannot fail (Luke 22:32).
      2. Trust is like a mountain that cannot be moved (Psalm 125:1).
    2. Joseph’s life was the epitome of trust in God.
      1. He was rejected by his brothers, but the rejection did not destroy his trust in God.
      2. His brothers sold him into slavery, yet he trusted God.
      3. He was falsely accused of sexual harassment and thrown in jail, but he never stopped trusting.
      4. Joseph overcame each challenge in his life by trusting God. He never knew how close he was to promotion.
      5. He was promoted because of his conquering mentality. He entered into God’s rest.
      6. When we enter into God’s rest, negative situations will not agitate us.

Scripture References:

  • John 14:1, 27, AMP
  • Isaiah 26:3
  • Daniel 3:15-18
  • Luke 22:32
  • Psalm 125:1

Pastor Robert Bagonza

Senior Pastor Redeemed Church

www.mrolec.org