“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” (Proverbs 3:5)
We’re all quite familiar with the above verse, but have we ever considered that trusting is learned, that it is a process? This reminds me of a sweet story of a rescued dog, who, upon entering his new home, immediately got into the bathtub and stayed there. Not knowing his backstory, the woman who had taken him home realized this poor dog must have been traumatized, finding only a modicum of safety in a bathtub. The wise woman let him stay there and slept on the bathroom floor herself for two nights in a row. In the evening, she sat on that floor and read aloud to him in her soft, calming voice. The morning of the second day, she awoke to find him out of the tub, curled up on a small rug. Gradually over the next few days, the dog stepped into the hallway, then explored the rest of the house, and followed her everywhere, finally realizing he could trust her to keep him safe and well cared for. He now sleeps wherever he wants, fully trusting her, but it was a process.
In Genesis 12:10, we see Abram panicking because of a famine, and he left for Egypt to meet his family’s needs. Why didn’t he ask God what to do first? Because he was just like us, we fall back on what we’re used to. We must learn to trust! God gives us grace as we learn it. God wasn’t surprised by Abram’s action; He knows it’s a process. Abram was used to leaning on his “own understanding.”
Years ago, at Emmanuel Faith, one of our pastors taught us about this process and used the acronym GAOG to help us remember this truth. GAOG stood for God Allowed Opportunity for Growth. In Abram’s case, it was an opportunity to grow in trusting God. Perhaps Abram had not learned that one of God’s names is Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides (even in a famine). We experience these opportunities along our Christian journey. They are how we grow to know God better, to trust Him fully, and to follow the path He has for us.
The Process
(1) Recognize you are in a GAOG situation. These can be big or small, but as we surrender them to Him, we can grow in trust.
(2) “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12)
(3) “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” (James 1:2)
(4) “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James 1:5)
(5) Trust the outcome to God. “… for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content.” (Philippians 4:11)
And then give yourself and others grace as you grow in trusting God with all your heart and your actions.
Reflection:
What GAOGs have you experienced in the past? How did you grow in them? Are you in a GAOG now? What do you see God doing in it?
Francie Overstreet
EFCC Member