It crossed my mind I could plunge to my death. If I ever needed to learn how to tweak my trust in God to the fullest, this was it.
Walking out onto the ledge at the Sky Deck of the Willis Tower topped our list of “to-do”s during our vacation in Chicago. A twinge of anticipation coursed through my body until I exited the elevator onto the 103rd floor. The idea of our lofty height became a sudden reality.
I did my homework. I read about the five-sided glass balconies which allowed for views of Chicago and beyond in all directions. The ledges are made of 1.5 inch laminated glass panels which are hung from a steel frame. The ledges appeared solid and their description sounded dependable. But, as I stood in my ever-decreasing line waiting to step out onto a ledge, I felt a sick lurch in my stomach while pondering the following questions.
- Glass panels can shatter, right?
- Is 1.5 inches of glass really that thick?
- Can steel frames corrode over time from rust and overload?
- What is the life span of a steel frame?
- How long have these ledges been in existence?
Don’t get me wrong. I was willing to experience this spectacular viewpoint. I looked forward to what was certain to be an exhilarating, memorable few moments. I wanted to step out onto that ledge. But it was scary. Inching my way forward in line, I was struck with a profound realization.
Trusting God is like stepping out onto the ledge at the Willis Tower.
I can read a brochure about the structural integrity of a ledge at a sky tower deck. But, I can’t see all the mechanisms that ensure my safety. So too, I can know and believe God has my back and will catch me when I fall. But, I can’t see Him protect me.
My understanding of ledge construction—and my understanding of God—is limited. My limitations make it crucial for me to tweak my trust in God.
Trusting God (and a high-rise glass ledge) is similar to believing in the wind. I can’t see the wind, but I know it’s there because I can see evidence of the wind’s effects. Evidence of trusting God appears in answered prayers and firsthand experiences of His guidance and strength. God’s transforming power is revealed in my life and through the lives of others.
I must trust. And trusting is hard.
Can you relate?
You and I are not alone. Even the disciples of Jesus found it difficult to trust Him at times. One event in the Bible details Jesus and the disciples crossing the Sea of Galilee:
That day when evening came, he said to his disciples, “Let us go over to the other side.” Leaving the crowd behind, they took him along, just as he was, in the boat. There were also other boats with him. A furious squall came up, and the waves broke over the boat, so that it was nearly swamped. Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, “Teacher, don’t you care if we drown?” He got up, rebuked the wind and said to the waves, “Quiet! Be Still!” Then the wind died down and it was completely calm. He said to his disciples, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?”
If God can exercise authority over the natural order of the wind and waves, we can trust Him to meet us in our adversity.
So, how can we tweak our trust in God so we can trust Him with confidence?
Here are five ways:
- Nurture your friendship with God. Why do you trust leaving your kids (or perhaps your fur babies) in the care of someone else on occasion? Because you know them. You can count on them. You have their support—you know them personally. The more time you spend with God getting to know Him, the easier it is to trust Him.
- Remember God’s faithfulness. It’s easy to forget how God has moved in your life amid attacks of fear. Recall how God has met you right where you are. Remind yourself how God has demonstrated His faithfulness to you through answered prayer.
- Memorize Scripture. Read the Bible to see how God feels about you (He adores you, by the way!) The more you memorize God’s word, the better equipped you become to whole-heartedly commit to trusting Him.
- Weed out good from bad. Be aware of bad influences and separate yourself from negative circumstances that drag you down. Stumbling blocks between you and God hinder your ability to trust.
- Don’t depend on yourself to navigate circumstances in your own strength. Lay aside your plans and make a conscious effort to surrender to God’s power. Leave your burdens in God’s hands by demonstrating your dependence on Him through prayer.
It’s scary to step out into unknown territory, but take heart. Our God is faithful to walk beside us through everything we encounter.
And . . . the view from “the ledge” is spectacular!
Father God, I know you do not forsake those who seek you. Help me trust you more, and steady my trust so it does not waver amid the battles I face. I believe in the power of Your hand and lean on You with all my heart rather than with my imperfect understanding. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Now, it’s your turn. How do YOU trust God in difficult situations? Share in the comments—I read every one!
