Confidence in God and One Another: A 3-Day Marriage PlanSample

The Wheelbarrow of Trust

I will trust and not be afraid.

Isaiah 12:2

Most of us struggle to "be anxious for nothing," but we can learn to rely on God if we know the difference between faith and trust.

Let's imagine you're near the beautiful but dangerous Niagara Falls. A circus performer has strung a rope across the falls with the intention of pushing a wheelbarrow from one side to the other. Just before stepping on the rope, he asks you, "Do you think I can accomplish this feat?"

His reputation has preceded him, so you reply that you believe he can walk the tightrope. In other words, you have faith that he will succeed. Then he says, "If you really believe I can do it, how about getting in the wheelbarrow and crossing with me?" Accepting his invitation would be an example of remarkable trust.

It isn't difficult for some people to believe that God is capable of performing mighty deeds. After all, He created the entire universe. Trust, however, requires that we depend on Him to keep His promises to us even when there is no proof that He will. It's not so easy to get into that wheelbarrow and put our lives in His care. Yet it's a step we must take if we are to "be anxious for nothing" in all of life's circumstances.

Just between us . . .

·Do you find it easy or difficult to trust God?

·Have you ever felt that the Lord has abandoned you, or that He hasn't heard your prayer? How did you deal with that feeling?

·How could putting our trust in God help our marriage?

Dear Lord, You alone are worthy of our complete trust. But responding to You in trust is often difficult. Teach us to trust You-to lean on Your strength, to count on Your goodness, and to expect Your faithfulness always. Amen.

Excerpted from Night Light for Couples, used with permission.

Our soul waits for the Lord; he is our help and our shield. For our heart is glad in him, because we trust in his holy name. (Ps. 33:20-21, ESV)

The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Phil. 4:5b-7, ESV)

“Building Trust with Actions” (article excerpted from Dr. Dobson’s 5 Essentials for Lifelong Intimacy)