Trust.

“If God will indeed be with me and protect me on this journey, and if He will provide me with food and clothing, and if I return safely to my father’s home, then the Lord will certainly be my God.”  [Genesis 28:20-21]

Have you ever been deceived by someone?  Do you find it difficult to trust people?  Most of us at some time or another have been deceived by someone.  As a result, we find it difficult to trust people, especially if their name sounds like “deceiver.”  Can you imagine parents intentionally giving their child a name that when pronounced sounds similar to “deceiver?”

In Genesis 25:26, we find that Isaac and Rebekah had twin boys and they named one of the boys Jacob – which in Hebrew sounds similar to “deceiver.”  And guess what?  He lived up to his name!  He was constantly deceiving people – his brother, and even his father!      

Since he himself was a deceiver, he found it difficult to trust other people, including God.  Just look at the above reference and see how many stipulations Jacob puts on this “vow”.  “If God…, if God…, if God…”.  Is it really a vow if you put conditions on it?

Do you find it difficult to trust God?  Do you cast your terms on God demanding He meet those requirements before you will trust Him? 

While on his journey, Jacob experiences a personal encounter with God.  This encounter is so life-changing that God gives Jacob a new name – Israel!  God no longer wants Jacob to live by the name “deceiver” but by his new name. 

Have you personally encountered God? 

God will never deceive you!  His promises are true!  He is the ONLY one in whom we can place our complete trust!   

“God’s way is perfect.  All the Lord’s promises are true.  He is a shield for all who look to him for protection.”  [Psalm 18:30]

Go ahead and take a step of trust today!