Trust to Truly Live
"Put your entire trust in the Master Jesus. Then you’ll live as you were meant to live." Acts 16:31 (MSG)
The jailer had reached the end of himself. Just moments before, an earthquake had shaken the prison where Paul and Silas were held, throwing open every cell door and breaking loose every chain. The jailer, thinking all the prisoners had escaped, was ready to take his own life. He believed he had failed, that his story was over. But Paul’s voice cut through the darkness, assuring him that everyone was still there. Shaken and desperate, the jailer fell to his knees before Paul and Silas and asked the question that still echoes today: “What must I do to be saved, to really live?”
The answer was clear and uncomplicated: trust Jesus fully. Not halfway. Not only when it’s convenient. Not trust mixed with backup plans just in case He doesn’t come through. Entire trust.
I remember a season when I was trying to hold everything together on my own. Family, ministry, finances, my future. I prayed, but deep down I still felt like it all depended on me. The weight of control left me exhausted and anxious. One night, I finally admitted to God, “I can’t do this anymore.” As I surrendered, peace came rushing in. Nothing changed on the outside immediately, but something shifted inside. I was finally free to trust Him.
Here are three things that often hold us back from full trust:
Tight Grip on Control – We want to call the shots and know the plan. Surrendering to Jesus means opening our hands and letting Him lead.
Trouble from the Past – Hurts, disappointments, and unanswered prayers can make it hard to believe this time will be different.
Temporary Trust – We trust Him for a moment but pull back when things get tough or don’t go our way.
The truth is, partial trust produces partial peace, but full trust brings full life. We cannot experience the freedom Jesus offers while still clinging to control or holding back parts of our heart. Trust is not a moment, it’s a lifestyle. It’s a daily choice to believe that God is faithful, even when you cannot see what’s ahead. True freedom comes when you stop trying to be your own savior and let Jesus truly be Lord of your life.
Jesus invites you today to release the tight grip, bring Him your troubles, and move from temporary to total trust. When you do, you discover real life, the life He always intended for you to live. Let’s pray:
Lord, I give You my whole heart. I let go of control, bring You my past troubles, and choose to trust You fully, not just for a moment, but with my entire life. Lead me into the life You’ve called me to live. Amen.
Make It Personal:
What area of my life am I still trying to control instead of trusting Jesus with?
How have past disappointments affected my ability to trust God fully today?
What step can I take right now to move from temporary to total trust in Jesus?
