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For over 14 years I prayed and trusted and prayed and trusted that God had an incredible man for me. That I would marry and have children and life would be beautiful. And He answered! And I did marry and have children and life was beautiful….until it wasn’t.

Throughout my life, my heart’s desire has always been to possess a trust without borders and a faith to follow wherever He leads. However, whenever I contemplated this desire, a twinge of fear crept in. I knew that cultivating such trust and faith would necessitate walking a path I would never willingly choose. Although I remained single throughout my twenties, steadfast in my belief that God had a husband intended for me, I didn’t meet Norm until I turned 30. So while I did have some experience in trusting Him, I recognized that a trust without borders would be an even deeper level of trust and faith. It would be an even harder path.

I desired that depth of trust and faith without having to walk the path necessary to attain it.

It’s a common approach in life—to crave the rewards without putting in the effort:

• We want financial stability without the hard work.
• We desire toned muscles without the exercise.
• We seek a healthy body without monitoring our diet.
• We long for good character and habits without the daily discipline.

While these may not all resonate with everyone, perhaps there’s something on that list you can relate to. Developing a deep trust and faith is similar to this; it demands the constant and diligent surrender of our plans, wants, wishes, and desires into the capable hands that hold and guide us.

Deepening our trust and faith to walk wherever He leads is a bit like a spiritual workout. Depth comes as a result of our trust and faith being tested, pushed beyond perceived boundaries and exercised beyond perceived limits.

At the core of a deep trust and faith in God lies a deep surrender—a submission to His divine will and perfect plan for our lives. It requires setting aside our hopes and dreams and entrusting our future into His loving hands. My dreams of a home that included Norm, of growing old with him, of being that elderly couple you see pictures of sitting on the front porch in rocking chairs surrounded by grandchildren, those dreams had to be surrendered. This surrender isn’t weakness but a testament to a deep and profound trust and faith in the One who holds the universe. The One who also holds me so tenderly, Who holds my children so tenderly, and Who holds you so tenderly.

The journey of trust and faith starts with a steadfast belief in God’s character and promises. Then amidst pain and loss, the deepening trust and faith assures us of His presence, guidance, and provision. As the Psalmist affirms,

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.
Psalm 23:1 (ESV)

An unwavering faith and trust anchors us in life’s storms, grounding us in the certainty of God’s unfailing love.

A deep trust and faith in God also requires patience—a readiness to await His timing and purposes. While we may want immediate answers, God often works in mysterious ways. So many times I find myself getting so caught up in the busyness of life, the never ending to-do list, and I quite often find myself exhausted and on edge. Yet Isaiah reminds us,

“But they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint.”
Isaiah 40:31 (ESV)

The path that deepens our trust and faith certainly isn’t without challenges. But like Job who endured suffering yet remained steadfast, we’re called to trust God amidst adversity (Job 13:15).

Ultimately, trusting God is a journey of hope—anchored in His promises. It’s the assurance that even in darkness, God works all things for our good (Romans 8:28).

And as Paul writes,

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope”
Romans 15:13 (ESV)

Heavenly Father, as we walk wherever You lead us, may our trust deepen, our faith strengthen, and our hearts overflow with hope. In Jesus name, Amen