Do You Trust Him? Trust Before Identity in Christ

Episode Overview Melissa Gendreau explores the foundational question: Do you truly trust God? Before we can fully embrace and live out our identity in Christ, we must first settle the issue of trust—because head knowledge without heartfelt trust remains just information. Drawing from Scripture, personal counseling stories, and real-life examples of God's faithfulness, Melissa defines trust, examines common barriers (hypocrisy, suffering, a broken world), and shows how trust fuels faith, hope, and a secure identity rooted in God's unchanging character. This episode encourages honest reflection, practical steps to build trust, and surrender—reminding us that when we trust the Chooser, we can confidently claim who He says we are. Trust turns identity from concept to lived reality, bringing peace, hope, and forward movement in faith, marriage, and life.

Key Takeaways

1. Trust Is the Foundation — Before Identity Can Take Root

   • Trust means a firm belief in God's reliability, truth, ability, and strength.
   • Identity without trust is just information; trust makes it alive and secure in our hearts.
   • Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” Before claiming “I’m chosen,” trust the Chooser.

2. God's Character Makes Him Infinitely Trustworthy

   • Faithful and unchanging (Lamentations 3:22-23; James 1:17).
   • Good, loving, and covenant-keeping (Psalm 100:5; Deuteronomy 7:9).
   • Sovereign, wise, and working for our good (Psalm 147:5; Romans 8:28).
   • A refuge who never lies or forsakes (Psalm 91:2; Numbers 23:19; Psalm 9:10).
   • Real examples: God's perfect timing in cancellations/provided sessions, Holy Spirit giving words in counseling, personal reinforcements aligning with clients' needs.

3. Common Barriers to Trusting God

   • Hypocrisy or harm from Christians — Don't judge the perfect God by imperfect people; look to Jesus.
   • A broken world full of injustice and suffering — Evil exists due to free will, but God is near, weeps with us, and redeems.
   • Personal pain: loss, betrayal, unanswered prayers — Trust doesn't eliminate pain; it believes God is good amid it.

4. Trust Leads to Faith, Which Fuels Hope

   • Faith: active confidence in God's character and promises (Hebrews 11:1).
   • Hope: confident expectation that God will prevail.
   • When trust is shaky, we grasp for control or define ourselves by others/circumstances.

5. Building Trust: Reflection and Practical Steps

   • Rate your trust level (1-10) and name barriers in honest prayer.
   • Daily declaration of Proverbs 3:5-6.
   • Focus on one attribute of God with related verses and journaling.
   • Surrender worries: “God, I release this to You.”
   • Memorize Psalm 9:10; share questions with trusted friends.

Powerful Quotes

• “Identity without trust is just information; trust makes it alive in our hearts.”
• “Before we claim 'I'm chosen,' we need to trust the Chooser.”
• “Trust turns identity from concept to lived reality—rooted in God's unchanging goodness.”
• “Hope is a confident expectation that God will prevail.”
• “When we trust Him fully, we can rest in who He says we are—chosen, loved, redeemed, secure.”

Scriptures Referenced

• Proverbs 3:5-6
• Psalm 9:10
• Lamentations 3:22-23
• James 1:17
• Psalm 100:5
• Deuteronomy 7:9
• Psalm 147:5
• Romans 8:28
• Psalm 91:2
• Numbers 23:19
• Hebrews 11:1
• Ephesians 1:4-7
• Romans 8:38-39

This Week’s Challenge

1. Rate your current trust in God (1-10) and pray honestly about any barriers.
2. Choose one attribute of God (e.g., faithful) and read related verses daily for a week—journal evidences in your life.
3. Start each morning declaring Proverbs 3:5-6 out loud.
4. When worry arises, pray: “God, I release this to You. I trust Your goodness more than my plan.”
5. Memorize Psalm 9:10 and reflect: How has God shown He never forsakes those who seek Him?

Call to Action

• Subscribe/Follow so you never miss an episode.
• Share this episode with one friend who needs encouragement to trust God deeper.
• Want to go deeper? Grab the free Identity in Christ Affirmations resource to reinforce who God says you are → melissagendreau.com/free-resources.
• Checked out my website, melissagendreau.com, you can explore my courses, coaching, and private community.
• If you’re not sure where to start, DM me on Instagram for a private conversation so I can get to know you and make personalized recommendations. Find me on Instagram @forwardpathwithmelissa.

Until next Monday—keep trusting, keep rooting your identity in Him, and keep moving forward God’s way! 💛