Trust, though it may be one of the most delicate ideals, is also one of the most powerful. It has been a fascination of researchers for decades. How can a seemingly fallible concept such as faith cause humans to believe so intensely in something that has not or cannot be proven? What is the factor that causes a man to abandon the familiar in pursuit of promise when there is no evidence of fulfillment?

We find one of the greatest examples of trust in the legacy of Rahab. Her city and world sat trembling in the path of a conquering force riddled with tremendous victory and miracles. All she was given was a simple promise and request for obedience. She was afforded every opportunity to take matters into her own hands. She had weeks and days to rethink her pact; she had plenty of time to let doubt and fear take hold of her intentions; she could have left the city and done things her own way. However, Rahab’s faith was in a God who could move mighty waters, and tear down kings and fortresses. 

Trust is scary and it is fragile. There’s always a question of “What-if that threatens to betray the bond?” Even with the risk, trust is also strength and peace.

Hebrews 11 gives us the key to the trust of some of the most tremendous men and women to walk the earth. It was not possession, nor proof. In fact, verse 13 says that “…These all died in faith, not having received the promises…” No, instead the common factor was simple obedience. They did what they knew to do, and sought after a perfect communion with their God. These elders were tried and tested by the uncontrollable, yet their trust and intentions were proven by their actions.

God’s calling will always require a measure of trust. He is not asking for perfection, but for vulnerability in obedience. When the world around us is crumbling to dust, the source of our trust will bear the outcome. Our faith can be unshakable when we choose obedience over evidence and circumstance. 

“Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect? And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.”  James 2:22-23, KJV