Life often pushes us to do something when we feel stuck, pressured, or unsure. It’s natural to want to solve problems quickly, find answers fast, or take matters into our own hands. But the Scriptures remind us that true peace and fruitfulness come when our trust is not in our own effort or understanding, but in God Himself.
I came across this post today from Os Hillman of Marketplace Leaders. What a great warning from Jeremiah. It is very strong, but the thirsty need a sharp rebuke before drinking poisoned water. Enjoy.
Embracing Lean Times
March 30th, 2011
Have you ever considered at what point a test becomes so difficult that you decide you can no longer trust in God and you must take over to solve the problem? The prophet Jeremiah describes a situation in which the temptation to solve a financial problem can become so great that we trust in man’s way to solve it.
This is what the Lord says: “Cursed is the one who trusts in man, who depends on flesh for his strength and whose heart turns away from the Lord. He will be like a bush in the wastelands; he will not see prosperity when it comes. He will dwell in the parched places of the desert, in a salt land where no one lives. But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him. He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream. It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green. It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit” (Jeremiah 17:5-8).
Jeremiah drew a sharp comparison between the man who trusts in his own effort to solve his problem and the man who trusts in God when he cannot see the outcome. The man who trusts in God bears fruit despite the circumstances in his life. He does not shrivel when the heat comes; in fact, his roots go deeper into God’s grace. He continues to bear fruit in spite of his circumstances.
Faith is Not in Our Ability
Jeremiah paints this picture beautifully: one person who trusts in human strength ends up like a bush in dry wasteland, while another who trusts in the Lord is like a tree planted by the water, deeply rooted and constantly fruitful — even in the heat of drought. This isn’t a warning born of fear, but a promise rooted in God’s unwavering character. When we align our hearts with Him first, everything else begins to fall into its rightful place.
Os Hillman is right to remind us to hold firmly to God. Faith is in Him not in our ability to get ourselves through it. Abraham’s ability led to an Ishmael; God wants us to wait for Isaac.
God invites us to stay close to Him in uncertainty, to wait on Him in patience, and to walk with Him in faith. Our human wisdom has value, but it becomes less powerful when we lean on it instead of on God. Trusting God doesn’t mean we stop thinking or planning. It means we place our confidence in His presence, His timing, and His purposes, trusting that He is faithful to lead us step by step, even when the next step isn’t clear.
Trust is in Knowing The One Who Leads
As you reflect on this word, remember that God doesn’t call you to have it all figured out before you follow Him. He calls you to walk with Him. Trust isn’t first about knowing the path; it’s about knowing the One who leads you. When we choose to wait on His presence rather than rush ahead of His timing, we find strength rather than stress, peace rather than panic, and fruitfulness rather than frustration.
God delights in those who trust Him, not because it’s easy, but because it reveals a heart that believes His promises are true… even when the world says otherwise. The One who planted you by the water will keep your roots strong and your leaves green. He will make you fruitful in unexpected seasons, in uncertain places, and in the midst of change.
So stand firm today. Let God be your confidence, your strength, and your portion. Trust Him with your plans, your timing, and your next steps. Then watch as the Lord who never fails brings beauty from your waiting, purpose from your patience, and peace in every season.
Frequently Asked Questions Regarding Not Moving Ahead of God
Question 1: What does it mean to not move ahead of God?
- It means choosing God’s presence and timing over our own efforts and solutions. When we rush forward on our own strength, we trust in our flesh rather than in the Lord. God invites us to trust Him first, letting our confidence in Him shape our next steps. Jeremiah contrasts this well: trusting ourselves leads to dryness, while trusting God leads to deep roots and fruitfulness.
Question 2: How can I deepen my trust in God?
- One way is through prayer and waiting on Him, not just in asking for answers but in listening for His voice.
- Related Article: 9 Tips on How to Hear God’s Voice – this article gives help with practical ways to connect with God’s heart.
Question 3: What if I feel like God isn’t answering?
- Sometimes God’s answers come through His presence more than His pace.
- Related Article: A Guided Prayer Against Doubt – this post offers Scriptures and prayer to anchor you when your faith feels weak.
Question 4: How does trusting God affect my prayer life?
- Trust shifts prayer from effort into relationship, where you both talk AND listen to God.
- Related Article: 7 Secrets to Effective Intercession – this helps believers pray with confidence and expectancy.
Question 5: How do I stay rooted in God when life feels unstable?
- Meditating on God’s faithfulness and His Word keeps you grounded.
- Related Article: Experiencing God Through Prayer – this article gives practical instruction from Madame Guyon’s life and experiences.