Implicit Trust Works

Trust the Lord with all your heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge Him and He shall direct thy paths. (Proverbs 3:5,6)

Would we keep a faithful account of all that we are subjected to day in day out, we in review of the same may be led to a deeper understanding than we literally do. However, often times, we fail to recognize valuable opportunities availed to us that might invoke a spirit of revival within us. Such a spirit may be ignited if we take a critical survey of each moment inscribed right from sunrise to sunset. It may all not be obvious that your day was thus spent. “The natural life preserved moment by moment by divine power; yet it is not sustained by direct miracles, but through the use of the blessings placed within our reach. So the spiritual life is sustained by the use of those means that providence has supplied. “(AA 284)

We often times wonder with untold admiration on what the pen of inspiration has revealed of them that stood unshaken amid the storm of great darkness and uncertainty. Subjected as they were, their conscious would not faint of one sweet memory that, “Opposing circumstances should create a firm determination to overcome them. One barrier broken down will give a greater ability and give us courage to go forward. Press in the right direction, and make a change, solidly, intelligently. Then circumstance will be your helpers and not your hindrances”. In them was the urge “Make the beginning. The oak is the corn”. (6T 145)

While contemplating on the works of the Almighty, David the servant of God declares, “The Lord is good to all; and His tender mercies are over His works. (Ps 145:10) Even when we are determined to separate ourselves from Him by living in the way that is pleasing to us, He has remained good and faithful with the promise, “I will never forsake thee.”

For the entire period of five years I have been in Pakistan, I am left with no doubt that the mighty hand that rolls the sun from the east to west, which put the stars in place, hands, though Mighty but seemed weakened hanging on the cross, but which of late are being raised in the Holy of Holies with the plea, “My blood, Father, My blood,” is for the sole purpose to assure us that it is meant for us. Soon “One shall ask Him, what are those wounds in thine hands? And He will answer saying, I was wounded in the house of my friends. “(AA 226) Might you be the one?

Prior to coming to Pakistan, I had a scanty knowledge of what an Islamic state is and how the system works. To be brief, being an Islamic state, every governing principle (social, economic, religious, educational, political etc.) give reference to their religious institution (Islam) to ensure that the Islamic views are upheld as high as possible.

On learning that the academic institutions were operating for seven days (Monday – Sunday) except for Friday which was a half-day of work up to 12.00pm, I was caught up as to how I was to observe the Sabbath.

Ever before was a stagnant inquiry, “For who in heaven can be compared unto the Lord? Who among the sons of the Mighty can be likened unto the Lord?” For I had before been in the school of Christ. A number of alternatives criss-crossed my mind as to what to do but stood at these two – make an application requesting Sabbath off for the purpose of worship, or try to get back home (Kenya). The latter option seemed more attractive for it suggested a number of conveniences to be enjoyed while associating with other fellow believers, an idea if inquired of the apostle Paul would advise saying, “Not only were converts won to the church hi Caesar’s household, but after their conversion they remained in that household. They did not feel at liberty to abandon their post of duty because their surroundings were no longer congenial. The truth had found them there and there they remained, by thenchanged life and character testifying to the transforming power of the new faith”, (AA 466) Later on while seeking counsel from one of God’s servants concerning my unpeaceful mind, she among other things wrote, “But you are alone hi a foreign country far away from your (my) family, friends and fellow Christian believers, you have to an opportunity to depend more directly on God for your (my) spiritual well being. You might find it hard in the beginning, but it is something that we all have to learn and we need to learn it by experience”. With these words sinking deep into my senses, the rage of my spiritual turmoil was calm, with a solemn thought in mind – I am hi the workshop for reshaping and that it is the worst meant good for me.

To this thought I was to pursue the latter option of making an application for Sabbath off from classes. With a little prayer I drafted the letter, which I had to take to the Principal before paying fees to clear up my admission procedures. As I went to visit the Principal, all the way my mind was stayed on the pledge, “Remember your church covenant, in which you have agreed to walk in all the ways of the Lord, made or to be made known unto you. Remember your promise and covenant with God and with one another, to receive whatever light and truth that shall be made known to you from His written word.” (GC 292).

After a while I was before the Principal. Not knowing what to expect, he inquired after reading the letter, “How are you going to cover the lessons missed?” With this, I was fast to respond, “I will spare some extra time and take private tuition”. “What about the 75%class attendance requirement?” Sir, this is the favor that I am seeking from you. With no further questioning, my request was granted and thus had all the liberty I was after during the Sabbath.
Though this seemed an easy matter to deal with, it struck some high note in me that God heard my weak prayer given the negative attitude held that Islam is the only righteous religion lately communicated to the world. Moreover, not all civil servants have this privilege of worshiping in the morning hours because they have to report for duty, implying that worship time for many is evening time from 6.00 p.m. onwards. This applies also to all the Sunday churches.

Sounding the assurances given in praise was all would do, “For I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that He is able keep that which I have committed unto Him against that day. That He who has begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ”. (2 Timothy 1:12, Philippians 1:6)

Amid all things I was convinced that this is the working of the divine power that was meant to sustain me all the days I will be learning in this institution. For a moment I thought of David’s rapturous praise given the realization that nothing escapes the searching eyes, the ever attentive ears of his God would not even shun of reminding himself as, “O Lord thou hast searched me and know me. Thou knowest my down sitting and mine uprising, thou understandest my thought afar off. Thou compasset my path lying down and art acquainted with all my ways. For there is not a word in my tongue, but lo, O Lord thou knowest altogether.

Thou has beset me behind and before, and laid thine hand upon me”. (Psalms 145:–) As my pivot to reason, the laughter from my classmates for saying that I won’t be attending class on Saturdays because this is the Lord’s day did much to increase my trust in Him that has a claim of implicit obedience from us. Satan well knows this and he ” (Satan) is ready to steal away the blessed assurances of God. He desires to take every glimmer of hope and every ray of light from the soul, but you must not permit him to do this, but day, Jesus has died that I might live. He loves me and wills not that I should perish. I have a compassionate heavenly Father; and although I have abused His love, though the blessings He has given me have I squandered, I will arise and go to the Father, and say, ‘I have sinned against heaven and before Thee, and am no more worthy to be called thy son: make me as one of thy hired servants’.” (SC 27-28)

Not in freedom from trial, but in the midst of it is Christian character developed. Experience to rebuffs and opposition leads the follower of Christ to greater watchfulness and more earnest prayer to the might Helper. Severe trial endured by the grace of God develops patience, vigilance, fortitude and a deep abiding trust hi God”. (AA 467-68)

The Christian life is a battle and a march. But the victory to be won is not by human power. The conflict is the domain of the heart. The battle, which we have to fight – the greatest battle that was ever fought by man, is the surrender of self to the will of God, the yielding of the heart to the sovereignty of the love, even to the entire law, our schoolmaster. I had not made any application to the examination office for exemption as made to the administration office. Then comes the end of the semester with one paper falling on the Sabbath.

This presented in itself yet another accusing conscience of the “Remember the Sabbath”. Before I would make any request hi applying for the adjustment of the timetable, I fell sick and would not leave my room for class for four days. While in my room alone came a flood of thoughts reviewing the firm covenant I had made with my God hi that morning when the miracle of conviction for right was wrought in my mind and heart. I silently listened to the earnest and sincere prayers offered to God that I may remain firm in days to come, leave alone the sweet songs that escorted these prayers on high. Diverting my attention from the scene would not avail any peaceful moment. All was perplexing. I was alone, yet with a feeling that I was with people listening to the preview of the recent past.

In a mild perception, I did reflect what the prophet Elijah witnessed while he wrote, “Not in mighty manifestation of divine power, but by, ‘a still small voice’, did God choose to reveal Himself to His servant., then there came a voice a still, small voice, and the prophet covered his face before the presence of the Lord. He knew that a quiet trust, a firm reliance on God would ever find him a present help hi time of need. It is not always the most learned presentation of God’s truth that convicts and converts the soul. Not by eloquence or logic are men’s hearts reaches, but by the sweet influence of the Holy Spirit, which operates quietly yet surely in transforming and developing character. It is the still, small voice of the Spirit of God that has power to change the heart”. (PK 168-69) To this, I had enough evidence as to why I ought to obey God rather that than men.

Not long afterwards in a calm spirit with my resolution to have the Sabbath honored did my classmates come to see me, with the news that the paper had shifted to Wednesday. Amazing! All I would say amid pain was “Thanks God for you well knew my need”. As such, all my papers were done within the weekdays. For God was behind all this, I managed to complete the course within the stipulated time though there were those who had to repeat for some papers.

Beloved reader, the words written to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and king Jehosphat, “Thus said the Lord unto you, be not afraid nor dismayed by reason of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God’s.” (2 Chronicles 20:15) Though you be bound with heavy chains and might soldiers set to guard you, with unfailing trust in the Omnipotent, and Omniscient, like Peter in his rock-hewn cell, you afford “sleeping the peaceful sleep of perfect trust”. (AA 146) Because the battle is not yours, to sing of this victory eternally, you have a part to play in this great drama within the heart arena. “The will must be placed on side of God’s will,” However “Our will is not to be forced into cooperation with divine agencies, but it must be voluntarily submitted, be willing to be made willing,

and God will accomplish the work for you even ‘casting down imaginations and every high thing that exalted itself against the knowledge of Christ.’ (2Corinthians 10:5) Then you will ‘work out your own salvation with fear and trembling. For it is which worked in you both to will and to be willing to do of His good pleasure1”. Philippians 2:12,13,(MB 142)

On looking back to those trembling moments, I fail to find the right words that can relate my joy in my heart. You may as well find it true that you cannot doubt any more that there is an invisible Being who loves you and desires that you should not be in a such state of burning fire, than you can bear it.

Hence, struggling with troubles that are not our own will unnecessarily wear and tear down our precious mental treasures endowed us. The call remains still as putting on “a firm determination to overcome them. The breaking down of one barrier will give greater ability and courage to go forward. Press with determination in the right direction, and circumstances will be your helpers, not your hindrances.” (COL 332)

Though sung several times you find a new inspiration as revealed to J.H Summis in his song;
When we trust in the Lord
In the light of His word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will,
He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.

Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.

Not a burden we bear
Not a sorrow we share

But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief nor a loss
Not a frown nor a cross,
But is blest if we trust and obey.

But we never can prove
The delights of His love
Until all on the alter we lay,
For the favor He shows
And the joy He bestows,
Are for all who trust and obey.

Then in fellowship sweet
We will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side In the way;
What He says we will do;
Where He sends we will go –
Never fear, only trust and obey.

“The words of Christ are the wellspring of life. As you seek unto those living springs you will through the Holy Spirit be brought into communion with Christ. Familiar truths will present themselves to your mind in a new aspect, texts of scripture will burst upon you with a new meaning as a flash of light, you will see the relation of other truths to the work of redemption, and you will know that Christ is leading you, a divine teacher is at your side”. (MB 20) Of the many accounts that the Lord had seen good to be our example is that of Jacob. “When his strength was nearly spent, the Angel put forth His divine power, and at His touch Jacob knew Him with whom he had been contending. Wounded and helpless, he fell upon the Savior’s breast, pleading for a blessing.. ‘I will not let thee go except thou bless me’. (Genesis 32:26)… That for which Jacob had vainly wrestled in his own strength was won through serf- surrender and steadfast faith. ‘This is the victory that overcometh the world, even our faith'”. (1 John 5:4) MB 144.

Just like Jacob, Jesus cannot turn aside nor cease your intercession and He grants the petition of your helpless penitent soul, according to His promise, “Let him take hold of my strength, that he may make peace with me; and he shall make peace with me”. (Isaiah 27:5). Leaving our faltering behind, may we give a trust to this promise.
AMEN.

John R. Obwocha.
Pakistan