God seems less interested in talent and more interested in trust.

This time, instead of starting with what you have, start with Jesus. Start with his wealth, his resources, and his strength. Before you open the ledger, open your heart.

Belief is not some respectful salute to a divine being. Belief happens when we place our confidence in God. It is a decision to lean entirely upon the strength of a living and loving Savior.

Contingent faith is the faith of sidewalk chalk: it's beautiful when the sun shines, but washes away when the rain falls.

No wonder there is no wonder. We've figured it all out.

In the great trapeze act of salvation, God is the catcher, and we are the flyers. We trust. Period.

Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting" (Ps. 139:23—24).

faith is the conviction that God knows more than we do about this life and he will get us through it. Our

In what circumstances do you struggle to trust God's purposes? Do you feel that God is fair in asking for a pure response like Paul's? Why or why not? What keeps you from fully believing that God is a good Father who cares for every detail of your life? Take the time to bring these obstacles before the Lord and pray, "Lord, I believe; help my unbelief!" (Mark 9:24).

What intentional changes can you make in your daily schedule to ensure that God's character is at the forefront of your mind? How would your demeanor change if you would "dare to believe that good things will happen"?

I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day" (2 Timothy 1:12 NIV).

God's thoughts are not our thoughts. They are not anything like ours. Our thoughts aren't even in the same neighborhood.