Slideshow image

It Takes Both

 

Proverbs 3:5-6 - Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. 

In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. 

The above verses are very familiar to Bible students, and they are important verses to those who really want God’s best for their lives. They tell us that we must believe God and acknowledge Him, if we want Him to direct our paths. Or, to put it another way, we must, “trust and obey.”

After all, true faith always leads to obedience. “By faith Abraham, when he was called to go out….obeyed” (Hebrews 11:8). Bible faith is not just a “good feeling” down inside, an emotion that we work up in our better moments. No, it is simply confident obedience, stepping out in obedience to God, knowing that He will keep His Word!

Jesus links these two as He talks about prayer in John 14:13-16. First, it takes faith to pray: “If ye shall ask anything in My Name, I will do it.” But it also takes obedience: “If ye love Me, keep My commandments.” Trust and obey!

Interestingly enough, the more we obey Him, the easier it is to trust Him. But if we say we trust Him, but fail to obey, then even the little faith we do have seems to become dead and lifeless. Faith without works – or obedience, is dead!

It takes both – faith and works, trust and obey. This is the secret of guidance and the secret of answered prayer.

From – “Thoughts for Men on the Move” by Warren Wiersbe