[Rahab] said to the men, “I know the Lord is handing this land over to you. We are absolutely terrified of you, and all who live in the land are cringing before you. … For the Lord your God is God in heaven above and on earth below!” … She sent them on their way and then tied the red rope in the window. Joshua 2:9, 11, 21
New English Translation
Rahab in Joshua 2 is a perfect example of the difference between belief and trust. She was a Gentile and a prostitute, yet she believed that God was the true God. Would I say she was His follower? No, her actions were evidence of this because she would not have continued working as a prostitute if she were. However, just like how her actions revealed when she was not following God, her actions in protecting the spies revealed when she began trusting God.
When Rahab was willing to tie the red rope, let the spies free, and risk her own life for the Lord’s will, that was when we see that she moved from believing in God to trusting God. Was she perfect instantly? No, I’m sure she had to work through the trauma of her past way of living and learn how to live differently; however, we learn later that because of her faithfulness, God not only blesses Rahab with a husband, but she is part of the genealogy of Jesus Christ (Matt. 1:5).
Now, you might be wondering why I’m making a big deal about the difference between belief and trust. That’s a fair and important question. When it comes to believing in God, that’s nothing special because you’re merely acknowledging He exists, which James 2 mentions even demons do. However, when you trust God, that’s when you start believing that what He is telling you is true and acting on that understanding. You begin to live different because you understand that God’s doing something greater, and that He cares about you and loves you.
Rahab and all her people knew God existed—they even feared Him. Yet, they didn’t trust Him; they didn’t let His truth change how they lived. When Rahab was willing to trust that God would take care of her and act upon that trust, that was a step beyond simply believing. That’s a crucial thing to look for in a person’s life. If someone says they believe in God, and their actions reveal that it all stops there, then they are not true followers of Christ. In that case, they’ve simply accepted the common sense fact that God is real.
The truth is, a follower of Christ will constantly be growing and developing as they learn to trust God more and act upon that trust. We’re not perfect, and we’re not given grace so we can stay the way we were and live happily in the love of God without doing anything. God wants you to seek out a trusting relationship with Him, where you let Him guide you and correct you and show you how to develop as His son or daughter.
Think of it this way: when you truly trust and value a person, you’re willing to let them speak into your life and correct you as needed. You accept what they’ve shown you and actively try to apply the guidance they are offering. However, when someone you don’t trust or value tries to speak into your life, you tend to ignore what they say, and I bet they often tick you off too. Which scenario stands true for you and your relationship with God?
As you enter this week, I encourage you to examine your life and determine whether you’re living in belief or in trust. Ask God to show you the truth of your relationship with Him. I always encourage you to find someone who is solid in their faith that you can share your struggles with and seek growth with. There is no time like the present to fully trust God.