Certainly that was how I felt when recently I watched a program with magician and risk taker, David Blaine. In this particular episode he met with a King Cobra snake charmer in Asia. This charmer was so familiar with handling King Cobra’s that he would mesmerize the snake and then slowly lean over and kiss the snake on top of the head. And of course, David Blaine wanted to learn how to do the same thing. So, he spent time watching, asking questions, and practicing everything he was taught until he finally was successful. Did he have fear? Of course, but he trusted his life with the trainer who had the knowledge and experience until he too could take the risk with confidence.

So, what did I learn? Well certainly it didn’t change my feelings toward snakes. And kissing one that can kill me isn’t on my bucket list. What I found fascinating was that David Blaine didn’t have the skills and knowledge necessary to achieve his goal, so he sought out the one who did, and placed his trust in him. It hit home. How much do I trust God with my life and all that I’m confronted with? God doesn’t need more snake handlers, but He does want us to trust Him so He can teach us how to live for Him with confidence.

The show reminded me of a familiar Bible passage, Proverbs 3:5-6. It reads like this, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart; and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths.” (NKJV). The more I understand that God is trustworthy, the more I place my faith in Him and His word. And the more I trust Him, the more I can move forward in faith to do the things I can’t do without Him.

What about you? What is God impressing you to do for Him that you’re not sure of? Trust Him. Where is He leading that you struggle to follow? Let Him direct your paths. In doing so, He will give you His wisdom, His confidence, and His peace.

- Pastor Jim Bollin