Kathy Collard Miller writes about heart change, and she does so in a winsome way, helping women understand that heart transformaiton from the inside out is possible as they turn from lies and wrong beliefs to the truth of scripture. In this Faith UPGRADE, she writes about a personal challenge, and how God has led her to trust Him even more.

"No one could have been more surpised than me when I learned of my breast cancer diagnosis," Kathy said. "But as I expected, God has used this particular challenge in unique wasy for me to learn to trust Him even more."

I (Dawn) have watched Kathy navigate this difficult trial, and I rejoice to see how she reflects her Heavenly Father's love. "Observing" my friend's walk with Him—her faith inspires me.

Kathy continues . . .

Throughout this journey, I’ve examined my heart daily in order to grow in my trust in God. As a result, I began asking myself, “How can I know I’m trusting God?”

It’s been a fascinating topic. Of course, not a new one as we are always wondering that very thing during our spiritual journeys, right?

Here are some thoughts about what God is teaching me.

 1. We Can Examine our Feelings to See if They are Dependable.

Feelings can be fickle and don’t necessarily indicate to what degree I’m trusting God. 

My feelings seemed at times to run away with me even though I’m trusting God by reciting truths, quoting Scriptures and requesting prayer—and even in the midst of being completely assured in my mind that God knows exactly what He’s doing.

But God made me human and He gives us flight or fight responses that arise automatically.

My heart might beat harder and I might wake up in the night thinking and sometimes feeling panicked.

I’ve valued more than ever using exercise along with prayer to deal with the natural human responses. So I’m more assured than ever that feelings don’t always indicate our spiritual pulse. We should use them as possible indicators but they aren’t always dependable.

2. We Can Choose to Repeat Truths—Even if There Is No Immediate Result.

Second Corinthians 10:5 is one of my favorite verses: “We demolish arguments and every pretension that sets itself up against the knowledge of God, and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”

I’ve often said that taking every thought captive is like seeing each thought as an arrow coming toward our minds and hearts. We need to grab hold of that thought and examine it.

We need to ask, “Is this the truth?”

• If it’s not, I can then throw it away. Reject it and think of the truth.
• If it is truth, I can receive it and meditate upon it.

Of course, the truths of the Bible are the key.

Does it align with biblical truth, and especially, about who God is–in truth?

3. We Can Learn to Depend upon Who God Is—as Described in the Bible.

This is absolutely a primary brick in the building of trust. 

Regardless of circumstances or anything else, God will continue to be good, righteous, loving, kind, gracious, merciful, faithful, and yes, wrathful against evil and sin. His wrath is a part of His goodness because it refers to Him being just.

I try to remember, “What does this thought say about who God is?” If it is in alignment with God’s nature, then I can welcome the thought and know I’m trusting God.

4. We Can Remember that God Loves Us. 

When I’m rehearsing that He loves me, I know I’m trusting God.

I trust God because God loves me and wants the best for me.

• The world system says love means everything is going well and there are no struggles.
• The world system says God is only loving if what happens is the way I think it should be.

The truth is, He knows what is best and there are so many verses that say He DOES allow difficulties and trials.

We see this in James 1.

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything (James 1:2-4 NIV).

I know I’m trusting God when I focus on believing God wants to use my struggles for my maturity and growth, and for His glory.

Are you trusting God? How do you know?

Kathy Collard Miller is the author of more than 55 book including God's Intriguing Questions: 60 New Testament Devotions Revealing Jesus's Nature. She is a popular women's conference speaker both nationally and internationally. Kathy lives in Idaho with her husband Larry (of 50+ years). They have two children and two grandchildren. Visit KathyCollardMiller.com.

Graphic adapted, courtesy of Yuri Manei at Pexels.