Perhaps God Trusts You More Than You Think
Bob Yandian
Have you ever found yourself in a moment where you’re earnestly seeking direction from God but feel like the heavens are silent? It’s in these moments we often wrestle with doubt and uncertainty. But what if these silences are opportunities for growth, maturity, and trust? Today, we’ll reflect on how God guides us, not just through clear commands, but by trusting us to make decisions grounded in His Word and wisdom.
The Book of Acts: A Framework for Growth
The Book of Acts serves as a table of contents for the life and ministry of Paul. It chronicles his journeys, the churches he established, the revivals he witnessed, and the impact he made. Paul’s home base was Antioch, a city that became a hub for the Gentile church and missions. Antioch’s history offers powerful lessons about navigating challenges, fostering unity, and living by grace.
Learning to Hear God’s Voice
Guidance from God is not always about hearing an audible voice or receiving a clear sign. Sometimes, it’s about developing the maturity to trust Him through our decision-making. This truth is illustrated through personal experience, like the time my father, a Pentecostal minister, told me to make a decision on my own. He said, “You’re old enough to pray and hear from God for yourself.” Initially, I didn’t like that answer because it was easier to let someone else make the tough calls. But that moment taught me an essential lesson about spiritual maturity.
The Church at Antioch: A Story of Grace
When persecution scattered the early church, many believers fled to Antioch. Unlike Jerusalem, Antioch was predominantly Gentile. These believers didn’t seek safety to hide; they sought fertile ground to plant churches and spread the gospel. Acts 11 describes how their boldness led to a thriving community that embraced the grace of God. When Paul and Barnabas visited, they found a vibrant, Spirit-filled group of believers who prioritized grace over legalism.
Yet, challenges arose. As the church grew, Jewish believers brought legalistic practices from Jerusalem, causing division. Paul and Barnabas had to address these issues head-on. Paul’s teaching in Galatians underscores the importance of grace, reminding us that salvation has always been through faith, not works—whether before, during, or after the law.
Decision-Making in Uncertainty
Acts 15 recounts a pivotal moment when leaders from Antioch and Jerusalem gathered to resolve disputes about legalism. Despite fervent prayer, they received no direct answer from God. Instead, they relied on their understanding of Scripture, their shared experiences, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Their conclusion? “It seemed good to the Holy Spirit and to us” (Acts 15:28). This decision reflected maturity, unity, and a commitment to grace.
The lessons from this event are profound:
God’s Silence is Not Absence: Sometimes, God’s trust in us is evidenced by His silence. He’s given us His Spirit, His Word, and a renewed mind to make decisions.
Grace Over Legalism: Legalism focuses on external behavior; grace transforms from the inside out. The Antioch church thrived because it prioritized freedom in Christ.
Unity Through Collaboration: The leaders didn’t let differences divide them. They sought a solution that honored God and edified the church.
Maturity in Christ
Micah 6:8 provides a timeless reminder of what God requires: “To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” Spiritual maturity is not about endless rituals or striving for perfection; it’s about aligning our hearts with God’s principles and trusting Him in our daily decisions.
Like the leaders in Acts 15, we may face decisions where the path forward isn’t immediately clear. In these moments, God invites us to lean on Him while also exercising the wisdom and discernment He’s cultivated in us. He trusts us more than we often trust ourselves.
Moving Forward in Faith
As you navigate life’s challenges, remember this: God’s grace is sufficient. Whether you’re facing a major decision or simply trying to live faithfully, trust that God is with you. If you’re seeking guidance and hear nothing, it may be because He’s saying, “I trust you to make the right choice.”
So, what decisions are you facing today? Take them to the Lord in prayer, reflect on His Word, and trust the Spirit within you. And when in doubt, remember the example of Antioch: a church that stood firm in grace, fostered unity, and impacted the world for Christ.
