The Difference Between Faith and Trust by Brother Duke Hansen

         Good morning. The message I want to deliver is about two words most often misused by people not in the world but in the church as well. The separation of the spirit and the world. This is what the world defines as faith. You will have a problem with this if you aren't attuned to the scripture with the holy ghost. Faith is often confused with trust. Trust is defined as a firm belief in the reliability, honesty, and ability of a person or a thing. As believers, we need to know the difference. Faith requires no proof.

        How is faith and trust tied to 2 Samuel 24? This chapter is about King David's disobedience to God regarding be given the word not to number his people. The count was just for the might and valiant men of both Israel and Judah. Joab, who was the captain of the host, was against this count. David realized his sin once the census had been completed, and God let David select his punishment as the penalty. David chose pestilence over his kingdom (verse 15) 700,000 men died from Dan to Beersheba.

        So, let's turn to 2 Samuel chapter 24 and begin reading with verse 1.

        And again the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel, and he moved David against them to say, Go, number Israel and Judah.

        Believers still today want all the grace, all the blessings, and not any of the judgement. Paul wrote to the church in Corinth that every man is given a measure of faith. God moved David to move against his captains and number Israel and Judah. If you will, go to 1 Chronicles 21 and let's read verse 1.

        And Satan stood up against Israel, and provoked David to number Israel.

        A second account of the census but with an added context. God allowed Satan to provoke David to number Israel. These great and mighty men were actually mercenaries who had followed David during his retreat from King Saul years before hand.

        How many times have you been provoked by the enemy because the Lord God allowed it? Don't have faith in something reliable is actually trust. In Hebrews 11 verse 1 it's written that faith is the substance and not trust. Trust is merely trust. We just have the tendency of confusing the two.

        Why was God mad at Israel? The people placed their trust in those mighty men rather than in God. There was pride in their self-reliance. When you have faith and you pray, yet God doesn't move? There is your answer. David had taken responsibility when the pestilence fell on Israel.

        Most of us are not capable to judge righteously in our life. Read verses 20-25 of 2 Samuel 24 and examine them closely. Let's go to verse 10.

        10 And David's heart smote him after that he had numbered the people. And David said unto the Lord, I have sinned greatly in that I have done: and now, I beseech thee, O Lord, take away the iniquity of thy servant; for I have done very foolishly.

        Life is precious because of death. There are some things in this life you will cause that you will have to go through the penalties from your action. Judgement is a soul cleanser. The problem with many is we aren't truly awake to God. If God is asking the question, he already knows the answer.

        When Saul converted and changed his name to Paul, his life on earth was taken and disseminated to others. He spent over 3 years in the desert before he returned to Jerusalem.

        You have to be accused to be acquitted. This is what the holy ghost knows when he convicts your person. In your battles, struggles, and journey, Jesus has the most love and compassion for you. If it's your time to go, there's no way to stop it. God gives lives for you. If you don't know how precious you are to God, that's how precious you are.

        You better know where to put trust, learn how to allow, perfect patience, perfect humility in your life. These 3 things helped me get through my health event and will help me tomorrow. 

        Judgement comes measured with mercy and grace.