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T[/dopcap]he purpose of this study is to learn that the key to relying on relationships is understanding the power of trust and the peace that it brings.

The Avengers is a great movie about individual superheroes learning to rely on each other for the greater good. The moment of change for each of them was when they each decided to trust each other. That’s when the magic happened. It is a great illustration of how God calls us to rely on each other for the greatest good—building his Kingdom.

The world says that, “self trust is the first secret of success”

Ralph Waldo Emerson

This is the challenge we face in trusting and relying on each other. This belief is one that many of us hold on to and whether or not we say it, it’s evident in the choices we make. While I would like to say I trust people, my life often says different. I make decisions without getting advice, do things by myself on a regular basis, can think that I should just do it myself so it won’t get messed up. None of these choices exhibit trust or reliance on God or relationships. This is where the bible is absolutely necessary. I have to fight to trust God’s way of doing things rather than my own.

Do not conform yourselves to the standards of this world, but let God transform you inwardly by a complete change of your mind. Then you will be able to know the will of God—what is good and is pleasing to him and is perfect

Romans 12:2 (GNT)

Choose to Trust God

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Never rely on what you THINK you know. 6 Remember the Lord in everything you do, and he will show you the right way. 7 Never let yourself think that you are wiser than you are; simply obey the Lord and refuse to do wrong.

Proverbs 3:5-7 (GNT)

In order to start relying on the spiritual relationships God has put in my life, I have to first choose to trust Him. It’s a scary but a necessary choice. It’s believing that he’s got the better plan and that that plan hinges on relying on relationships.

Experience the Power of Trust

2 Jesus went back to Capernaum, and a few days later people heard that he was at home.2 Then so many of them came to the house that there wasn’t even standing room left in front of the door.
Jesus was still teaching 3 when four people came up, carrying a crippled man on a mat. 4 But because of the crowd, they could not get him to Jesus. So they made a hole in the roof above him and let the man down in front of everyone.
5 When Jesus saw how much faith they had, he said to the crippled man, “My friend, your sins are forgiven.”
11 “Get up! Pick up your mat and go on home.” 12 The man got right up. He picked up his mat and went out while everyone watched in amazement. They praised God and said, “We have never seen anything like this!”

Mark 2:1-5, 11-12 (CEV)

  • The man allowed his friends to carry him to Jesus. He could have easily refused. He could have said, “You’re gonna drop me,” “I don’t like how you are carrying me,” “Put me down,” “I’ll find my own way there,” “‘It’s too late for me, just let me be.” But instead… he entrusted himself to his friends.
  • The faith of his friends is what healed him. Through trusting his friends, he experienced God’s power. His sins were forgiven and he was healed.
  • His decision not only built his faith but the faith of those around him.

The best way to find out if you can trust somebody is to trust them.  – Ernest Hemingway 

Questions/Application

  • What is the core life experience that made you believe that relying on yourself is what’s best?
    • Study out and memorize scriptures to change the way you think.
  • Who has God put in your life for you to rely on?
  • What steps can you take to start relying on relationships?
    • Tell people what you are thinking and what you need help with.
  • What would your life look like if you relied on relationships?

Prayer Idea

  • Tell God all your fears and doubts about trusting people and ask for him to help you trust anyway.
  • Ask for opportunities to rely on relationships. (Just remember you prayed for this when something happens so you can be grateful for the answered prayer.)

Additional Reading (Optional)

  • Psalm 34
  • Psalm 62:8
  • Psalm 32:8-10
  • Book of Ruth
  • Book of Acts

Written by

Bay Area Christian Church

This was created by a member of the Bay Area Christian Church team.