PDF Summary:Trusting God, by Jerry Bridges

How do we stay resilient and maintain our faith when facing life's inevitable challenges? In Trusting God, Jerry Bridges explores the foundation of trust in God—grounded in His omnipotence, profound wisdom, and intense love for His children.

Bridges emphasizes that cultivating trust requires a deep conviction: God is fully in control, has perfect insight beyond our understanding, and loves us with a perfect and steadfast love. With this lens, difficulties are not roadblocks but opportunities for growth, shaping us into Christ's image.

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The comparison made by Jerry Bridges likens God's love for His followers to the delight a nurturing parent feels for their children. He emphasizes the truth of God's deep fondness for us and the delight He derives from this affection. This affection is actively engaged and intimate, not aloof or distant. God's love surrounds us, providing vigilant protection as we face our challenges.

God's love for us does not serve as a barrier against life's difficulties; rather, it equips us with the resilience to endure them.

Jerry Bridges emphasizes that although suffering is replete with grief and discomfort, it simultaneously serves as an indication of God's affection. He is a caring and gentle Father who orchestrates difficult circumstances in our lives to shape us into the likeness of Christ, not as a means of retribution. The author emphasizes that with God's help, we receive sufficient grace to endure, ensuring that the challenges we encounter will never exceed our ability to withstand them.

The extreme temperatures that refine metals can be compared to the core nature of suffering. Just as heat purifies gold by removing its impurities, adversity likewise reveals our flaws and inclinations towards sin, highlighting our need for God's grace. God is definitely not indifferent to our suffering. He provides solace in our times of sorrow, bestowing upon us the strength and fortitude required to withstand hardships. God does not assure us that He will remove our suffering, but He does vow to accompany us through those difficult moments.

Other Perspectives

• The concept of God's omnipotence raises the paradox of the stone: Can God create a stone so heavy that He cannot lift it? This challenges the notion of any being being truly omnipotent.
• The idea of God's ultimate sovereignty and control over every occurrence can conflict with the concept of free will, leading to philosophical debates about predestination versus autonomy.
• The assertion that God's dominion is all-encompassing and actively involved in the universe's progression may not align with deistic views, which posit that God created the universe but does not intervene in its affairs.
• The belief that God orchestrates the choices and behaviors of every individual, including those without faith, to fulfill divine intentions, can be seen as undermining personal responsibility and the moral accountability of individuals.
• The claim that God orchestrates every event to enhance His own splendor while ensuring our welfare can be challenged by the existence of seemingly pointless suffering and evil in the world, known as the problem of evil.
• The idea that God's wisdom surpasses human understanding and is consistently utilized might be questioned by those who argue that if God's actions are incomprehensible, it may not be reasonable to trust them.
• The notion that challenges and hardships are tools used by God to mold individuals into the image of Christ may not resonate with non-Christians or those who interpret suffering differently.
• The belief in the steadfast and perfect love of God for His children can be challenged by the observation of natural disasters, diseases, and tragedies that affect innocent people.
• The interpretation of the Crucifixion as the most profound display of God's love can be seen differently by other faith traditions or those who question the necessity of such a sacrifice for the demonstration of love.
• The assurance that God's love equips us with resilience to endure life's difficulties may not align with the experiences of those who feel overwhelmed by their suffering and do not find solace in this belief.

Turning to God for direction during challenging times.

The author emphasizes that every person, regardless of their faith or lack thereof, encounters adversity. Christians facing challenges should respond with unwavering trust in God, coupled with optimism and faith. This trust embodies a strong belief in God's almighty power, wisdom, and benevolent intentions.

Both those with faith and those without it encounter adversity.

Bridges emphasizes that suffering is a universal human experience. The author underscores that individuals will face challenges, regardless of their faith or level of spiritual maturity. Life inherently presents challenges, characterized by disunity, disappointments, and sorrow. The difficulties we encounter in life do not indicate a lack of presence or concern from God; rather, they occur as a consequence of living in an imperfect world.

Challenges arise in numerous forms, from major crises to common irritations.

The author acknowledges the wide range of difficulties we encounter during various stages of our existence. These can range from traumatic events such as the passing of someone close, unemployment, or medical issues, to seemingly minor frustrations like traffic congestion, changes in schedule, or malfunctioning equipment. He argues that honoring God through our responses to life's obstacles involves recognizing His constant presence and unwaveringly entrusting ourselves to His care, regardless of the severity of the trials we face.

During difficult times, we might begin to question the complete goodness and supreme control of God.

Bridges explores the common tendency among individuals to question God's love and supreme power when they encounter challenging circumstances. He acknowledges that difficult times and trials can lead to confusion and might even provoke feelings of bitterness or doubt regarding the purposes of God. Our journey of faith can be impeded and our trust in the divine blueprint can be lessened by these often encountered emotions. He encourages us to diminish these feelings by deeply engaging with the true essence and purposes of God.

Placing our trust in God is crucial, despite it frequently presenting more difficulties than adhering to His guidance.

The writer argues that following the guidance provided by God is essential, but it can become more challenging to keep faith in Him when faced with tough times. Trusting necessitates surrendering to a more profound faith. Our reliance should be on the character and promises of God rather than leaning on our own understanding or feelings.

Belief in God requires confidence in His infinite strength, profound intelligence, and unwavering love.

Bridges emphasizes that understanding the nature of God is a critical aspect in developing our trust in Him. Our confidence when facing difficult circumstances stems from our unwavering belief in His almighty power, wise guidance, and unending love, ensuring that He leads us with intention and with our best interests at heart.

Our resolve to place trust is a conscious decision, not swayed by feelings.

To truly trust in the Divine, Bridges advises us to focus beyond our fluctuating emotions. Opting to place our trust in something is a deliberate choice, not an emotion that we encounter. We decide to place our faith in the reliability and character of God, regardless of what our feelings might suggest.

Developing trust in God is an ongoing journey, rather than a singular choice.

The author acknowledges that trust in God develops progressively. Embarking on a lifelong journey involves continually surrendering to the wisdom from above, recognizing that our everyday events are under divine supervision, and choosing to place our faith in His promises, especially when His methods are not easily comprehended. Jerry Bridges encourages us to persist unwaveringly in our spiritual path, committing to rely on God in every unique circumstance, recognizing that He is constantly fostering this essential aspect of our belief.

Practical Tips

• Create a "Trust Journal" where you document daily instances where you chose trust over doubt, focusing on the outcomes. This practice can help reinforce the habit of trusting and provide tangible evidence of its impact on your life. For example, if you trust that a difficult work situation will improve and it does, note the situation, your trust, and the positive change.
• Develop a "Challenge Response Plan" that outlines proactive steps to take when facing adversity. This plan should include a reminder of your decision to trust, practical actions to address the situation, and a reflection phase to assess the role of trust in the outcome. For instance, when a challenge arises, you might first remind yourself of your commitment to trust, then take logical steps to mitigate the issue, and afterwards, reflect on how maintaining trust influenced the process.
• Engage in a weekly "Trust Building Exercise" with a friend or family member where you share experiences of trust and discuss the difficulties and successes of maintaining it. This could be a structured conversation or activity, such as sharing a recent moment when trust was tested, discussing how you handled it, and exploring the feelings and outcomes associated with the decision to trust.

Developing spiritually by facing challenges

Bridges argues that instead of just enduring or avoiding difficulties, we should view them as tools that God uses to shape us into the image of Christ. He encourages us to confront challenges with belief, concentrating on the growth and maturity that God is nurturing in us, rather than embracing a mindset of self-reproach.

The challenges we face in life are instrumental in molding a character that mirrors the indwelling of Christ.

The author emphasizes that the difficulties we face are not random happenings but are purposefully orchestrated by God to benefit us. Jerry Bridges depicts God as a horticulturist who nurtures our development through careful trimming to improve our productivity, and as a teacher who uses life's challenges to bolster our spiritual resilience and increase our dependence on His direction.

God employs challenging circumstances to cultivate sanctity, instill dependence on Himself, and remove superfluous elements.

Bridges draws a parallel between a grapevine that needs pruning to produce more fruit and believers who must endure difficulties to strengthen their faith. God uses challenges to reduce our dependence on trivial matters, temper our self-reliance and pride, and draw us closer to Himself. He wants us to bear fruit, to grow in holiness, and to rely more fully on His grace.

Adversity fortifies our resilience, equipping us for service.

The author stresses that the Christian journey resembles a marathon of considerable length, filled with numerous obstacles and challenges, rather than a brief, rapid sprint. God nurtures our steadfastness when confronted with challenges, ensuring our resolve remains firm amidst a multitude of obstacles and difficulties. Trials prepare us for service by fostering our capacity for empathy and by giving us firsthand experiences of God's comfort and kindness, which we can then extend to others.

Adversity strengthens our connection and shared spiritual experience with God and other believers.

Bridges emphasizes how suffering can bring people together. Shared hardship, he explains, fosters a unique camaraderie that unites followers by breaking down barriers related to religious beliefs. Trials also foster a more profound humility and reliance, driving us to actively seek comfort in the presence of the divine.

During difficult periods, we ought to respond with gratitude and deep reverence, making every effort to elevate the grandeur of God.

Our responses to challenging circumstances reveal the depth of our trust in God. Instead of giving in to emotions such as bitterness, anger, or doubt, Bridges encourages a reaction that demonstrates a solid belief in the character and purposes of God.

Gratitude reflects our recognition of God's supreme authority and benevolent intentions.

The writer underscores the importance of being thankful in all circumstances, even those that appear unfavorable, as it corresponds to what God desires for us. He argues that our gratitude should arise from an understanding of God's absolute control, detailed orchestration, and steadfast love, rather than from the challenges that confront us. Showing appreciation reflects our conviction that God is deeply engaged in our lives, even during times when His deeds surpass our understanding.

Humble worship acknowledges the splendor of God and our reliance on Him.

Bridges describes worship as an act that simultaneously directs our admiration and reverence upward to God and encourages us to humbly acknowledge our dependence on Him and our imperfections. Difficulties in life often humble us and reduce our self-dependence, thereby strengthening our acknowledgment of the need for a Savior.

Our reliance on God's guidance and safeguarding is demonstrated through our prayers and the forgiveness we extend to others.

The author urges us to look past the hurt caused by others and acknowledge the divine guidance present in these difficult situations, which leads us to pardon and comprehend the broader spiritual intent of our tribulations. In challenging times, we must come to prayer with a humble spirit, seeking not just comfort but earnestly striving to conform our wishes to God's will and to seek His guidance and wisdom.

Elevating the splendor of God above all else signifies a substantial progression in the spiritual journey of an individual.

Bridges emphasizes Paul as a model for spiritual development, observing his ability to discover happiness in the face of difficulties, thereby assisting in the dissemination of Christ's teachings. The writer urges us to place a higher value on seeking the magnificence of God rather than our own comfort, recognizing that our present difficulties are temporary and that God arranges all events to achieve His eternal purposes. This, he explains, truly signifies a heart that is completely dependent on faith.

Other Perspectives

• Challenges may shape us, but not exclusively into the image of Christ; personal growth can be secular and not necessarily spiritual or religious.
• Difficulties might not always be purposefully orchestrated by God; they can also be the result of natural events, human actions, or random occurrences.
• The idea that God uses challenges to cultivate sanctity assumes that all individuals believe in the same concept of God or sanctity, which is not universally true.
• Resilience can be built through a variety of life experiences, not just adversity, and can be fortified by positive experiences and support systems as well.
• Connections with others can be strengthened through shared positive experiences, not just adversity, and some individuals may feel isolated by their challenges.
• Gratitude and reverence in the face of difficulty are not the only valid or beneficial responses; other emotional responses can also lead to personal growth and healing.
• Recognizing authority and intentions behind events can be a complex process, and attributing them to a deity may not resonate with everyone's understanding or belief system.
• Worship, humility, and reliance on a higher power are not universally accepted or necessary for everyone's spiritual or moral development.
• Prayers and forgiveness are not the only ways to demonstrate reliance on guidance and protection; other forms of reflection and conflict resolution can also be effective.
• Elevating the splendor of God as a sign of spiritual progression is a specific religious perspective that may not align with other faiths or secular viewpoints.