Assured Reliance

I would like to write this inspirational piece of mine using the recent ball game match we all went gung ho about—the NBA Finals—as an example.

Just two weeks ago, we all witnessed the triumph of one of basketball league’s best-formed teams, the Miami Heat, as they beat the San Antonio Spurs in a hard-fought seven-games finals series –a series that was worth watching. No one was on the upper hand. Both teams seemed like two boxers exchanging punches, yet, only one remained on top – the Miami Heat.

Miami was on the brink of closing their season when they almost lost to the hands of the Spurs on game six; not until Ray Allen came to the rescue and pushed the finals series to one more game. During the sixth game, Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra could’ve placed his trust on his three best players namely: Lebron James, Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. Maybe during the huddle on the final seconds, he could’ve said, “Lebron, it’s your time. I trust you.” But, no. Coach Erik thought about it, laid his cards down and brought Ray Allen in. The entire coaching staff and the rest of the team placed their trust on Ray-Ray to send the game to a grueling overtime. Without a doubt, one of the best players who is really good at the three-point area, Ray nailed the shot thus, extending the game to another five minutes and most of all, winning it! Playback, that scene was indeed a clear picture of trust.

Based on the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, the word trust means “assured reliance on the character, ability, strength, or truth of someone or something”. It’s not just reliance, it’s assured reliance. In other words, it’s something like “no doubt he’s going to make it,” or “surely, he can do this.” Trust is different from hope as it is more of a byproduct of the former. Although, the word can be synonymous also with faith. Faith is an assured reliance on something that we believe in, thus trust. Going back to Coach Erik and the team, they trusted on Ray Allen to make the clutch shot. They didn’t doubt him. They placed their full trust, being assured that Ray is definitely worthy of the trust.

Relating to the Bible, we could read many stories and verses that will teach us about this matter. It clearly teaches and commands us to trust God. Psalm 20:7 says, “Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.” Think about it this way, before Israel became a nation, their King was God. They ought to follow Him, obey His rules and follow His commands. Their service was ultimately directed to God. While they were doing that, other neighboring nations were very much formed as they had their own kings and armies. It was quite ridiculous because Israel had no visible king, but other nations did.

They became jealous and so they demanded from God that He would choose a king who could lead the nation. There came King Saul and then King David. At this time, perhaps Israel was gradually forming their armies already but they were still no match to the other countries. Most of the Israelites were ordinary people. They weren’t equipped and trained for war. On the other hand, the other countries were more advanced as they already had chariots, horses and armies that could lead their country into battles.

Get the picture? King David then says, “trust in God.” Did King David just say that? Maybe he was wrong about this. Sounds crazy, but yes, he just said it. I don’t know what exactly was happening during this time. It was either war started where countries were trying to invade the nation or Israel was trying to conquer another area. Whatever happened, David just said, “trust God.”

Why does God want us to trust Him? We could come up with all sorts of answers like, “His promises are sure,” “Nothing is impossible with Him,” and etc. But if we really ponder in this question, God will tell us that trusting Him will make us know more who He says He really is. Does it make sense? It’s when we trust God that we get know Him who He really says He is.

Going back to King David, because he trusted God he came to know God as his Victor, his Defender, Refuge and more. When David crushed Goliath, he probably knew God as the powerful One who gave him the  to go through his battles. What about Moses when he crossed the Red Sea? Because of trust, he came to know God as the Faithful One who never leaves his people, and so off he led the Israelites to walk on dry land in the middle of the sea, successfully. The list goes on.

I don’t know about you, but what if we give ourselves a chance to trust God in whatever situation in life we are in? Surely, we will know God more in our lives. Faith strengthens, knowledge of God deepens and worship heightens.

If you’re a student, where do you put your trust? Yourself? Trust God to give you the wisdom that you need to answer exams and quizzes.

If you’re a teen, where do you put your trust? Your friends? Trust God to direct your paths and He will surely make them straight.

If you’re a single man or woman, where do you put your trust? Your career? Trust God to provide you the right person whom you will love the rest of your life.

If you’re married, where do you put your trust? Your capability? Trust God to always protect and provide for your family.

If you’re a businessman, where do you put your trust? Your wealth? Trust God that He will bless you in your work.

NBA Finals Champion 2013 Miami Heat

Just like Miami Heat, they trusted on Ray instead of the three known formidable players of their team. Result? They won game six which gave them another shot to seal the final series by winning game seven and become back-to-back champions.

Like David, he placed his trust, not on his armies, chariots, and horses but rather, with his full trust (assured reliance) on God. He didn’t doubt Him. He was definitely sure that God would see him and their nation through.

Let us all do the same thing. May God teach us to trust Him more in our day to day life.