The Torah and Trust

The Torah and Trust

This Bible teaching from Founded in Truth Fellowship explores the crucial concept of trust in God through examining the experiences of the Israelites after their exodus from Egypt and the story of Gideon in the Book of Judges. The speaker, Matthew Vander Els, emphasizes the necessity for believers to mature in their relationship with God, moving beyond a state of constant need and expecting immediate divine intervention to one of deeper reliance and faith, even amidst challenging circumstances.

The teaching begins by acknowledging the human tendency to seek something bigger than oneself and the desire for community founded on truth and love, such as that found at Founded in Truth Fellowship. It then transitions to reflecting on the passage of time and the experiences of the community, including the blessing of having many children who are seen not as a problem but as a vital part of the fellowship, for whom "theirs is the kingdom." The community believes it has a vocation to nurture these children into future lightbearers and ambassadors of God's kingdom.

The speaker then illustrates a common childhood mindset of believing the world revolves around oneself, using the relatable anecdote of his son's strong desire for cotton candy at a festival. While acknowledging the importance of care and support in early life, the teaching highlights the necessity of transitioning out of this self-centered perspective to prepare for the reality that the world encompasses the needs and wants of billions. This concept is then applied to followers of Yeshua (Jesus), questioning whether believers sometimes fail to outgrow a "baby mentality" in their faith, where God is seen merely as someone to meet their immediate needs.

To illustrate this point, the teaching delves into the story of the Israelites in the Book of Exodus. Initially, the Israelites cried out to God in desperation as slaves in Egypt, and God delivered them through mighty acts, including the plagues and the parting of the Red Sea. This period of deliverance was followed by the wilderness journey, described as a "liminal space," a transitional period between slavery and the promised land. These liminal spaces, whether waiting to adopt a child or being engaged, are often uncomfortable periods of waiting and preparation. The wilderness was not just a geographical location but a place where Israel was meant to learn, evolve, and learn to trust God. They received the commandments and were challenged to rely on God for their needs.

The speaker emphasizes that God was not in a rush to bring them into the promised land because they were not yet ready; they needed to grow and mature into the people God intended them to be. Similarly, in our lives, God may keep us in uncomfortable "in-between" spaces because there are lessons we still need to learn and growth that needs to occur. The Israelites' experience in the wilderness involved having their old identity stripped away, forcing them to rely entirely on God for provision, protection, and leadership, replacing their dependence on Egypt.

The teaching then examines the Israelites' complaints in the wilderness not as mere ingratitude, but as a manifestation of distrust. Despite their constant grumbling about lack of water and food, God consistently met their needs: turning bitter water sweet at Morah and providing manna (bread from heaven) in the wilderness of Zin. These acts of provision were not in response to discipline but were intended to teach them daily trust in God. The speaker highlights the intentional narrative structure, where God's actions in the wilderness mirror the plagues He inflicted on Egypt, demonstrating His power to bring both curses and blessings, and ultimately inviting His people to trust Him. However, despite these repeated displays of mercy and provision, Israel struggled to grasp their true mission as ambassadors of God's kingdom. Their history, even after entering the promised land under Joshua and throughout the period of the Judges, reveals a recurring pattern of drawing close to God only in times of need and quickly forgetting Him, failing to mature in their faith.

The teaching then focuses on the story of Gideon in Judges 6 as a powerful illustration of this struggle with trust and the journey toward maturity. When the angel of the Lord appears to Gideon and declares, "The Lord is with you," Gideon's response is one of doubt, questioning why Israel is suffering under the Midianites if God is truly with them. Gideon's perspective is rooted in the memory of God as a "helicopter parent" during the Exodus, providing for every immediate need. He has not grown to understand that God's presence doesn't always equate to a life free of hardship or responsibility. Gideon expects God to operate like a genie, performing miraculous "tricks" as proof of His presence.

Despite Gideon's lack of faith, God patiently meets him where he is, providing signs like the fire springing from the rock. However, even after these encounters, Gideon still displays fear and a lack of complete trust when he dismantles the altar of Baal at night due to fear of his family and the townspeople. Even when the Spirit of the Lord clothes Gideon, empowering him to gather an army, Gideon still asks for multiple signs with the fleece before fully committing. The speaker draws a parallel to the Book of Jonah, where the reader is tempted to judge Gideon's lack of faith, prompting self-reflection on their own trust in God amidst difficult circumstances.

God, like a patient parent, graciously tends to Gideon's needs for reassurance but does not remove him from the challenging situation, recognizing that growth and maturity happen in these liminal spaces. The narrative continues with God reducing Gideon's army from 22,000 to a mere 300 men, highlighting that maturity comes through realizing a new reality, often through uncomfortable experiences. The test at the water further winnows the army, leaving only those who remained vigilant. The central question posed is whether believers will allow difficult situations to become excuses for doubting God's presence or will they recognize His faithfulness and continue to trust Him, even when He seems distant.

The story culminates in the miraculous defeat of the Midianite army by the 300 men using only horns, torches, and clay pots, without ever drawing a sword. This unexpected victory demonstrates that God's ways are often beyond human comprehension and that true strength comes from trusting in Him, even when circumstances seem impossible. The teaching concludes by emphasizing that a mature relationship with God involves trusting Him in times of both abundance and hardship. Drawing from Romans 8:28, the speaker reminds the congregation that all things work together for good for those who love God. Just as God did not abandon the Israelites or Gideon, He will not abandon believers today. Difficult circumstances are not necessarily signs of God's absence but opportunities for growth and the development of deeper trust. The call to action is to move forward in faith, allowing life's circumstances to cultivate maturity and to not use them as reasons to doubt God's presence and love.

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Applications for Everyday Life

• Recognize that spiritual growth often occurs in uncomfortable "liminal spaces". Embrace challenges as opportunities for learning and reliance on God.
• Avoid a "baby mentality" in faith by not expecting God to constantly solve every problem or provide immediate comfort. Strive for a mature relationship built on consistent trust.
• When faced with difficulties, do not automatically assume God has abandoned you. Instead, consider that He may be shaping and molding you for a greater purpose.
• Learn to trust God even when His actions or inactions are not immediately understood. Remember the Israelites' initial distrust despite God's repeated provision.
• Seek God's presence and guidance in all circumstances, both good and bad. Like Gideon, even in moments of doubt, continue to engage with God and seek reassurance, while also stepping out in faith.
• Understand that God's ways are often not our ways. Be open to unexpected solutions and trust in His power, even when human logic suggests otherwise.
• Cultivate a heart of trust through prayer and studying scripture, remembering God's faithfulness throughout history.

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