We live in a world of unfaithfulness. Marriage vows are broken. Promises and commitments are tossed aside. Loyalty is elusive. But God’s people are to be known for their faithfulness—to their promises and to God. We are to be like a city on a hill and a light shining in the darkness, pointing others to Jesus (Matthew 5:14). That is difficult at times. Life is full of hills and valleys. In one day, we can move from the assurance of glory to the attacks of a doubting spirit. No matter the landscape, we are called to remain faithful to God’s Word and our love for Jesus Christ (2 Timothy 3:14-15).
Faith is the foundation of our belief, a trust and confidence in God that does not require proof or evidence. It is courage in the battle, joy in suffering, peace in the storm, and hope in the darkness. Since time began, God has asked mankind to believe in Him. There is nothing more essential to Christians than their faith. That doesn’t mean we don’t ever have doubts; it means we choose to put our confidence in God in the midst of our questions and in the midst of our waiting. It is choosing to trust God when it doesn’t make sense. Jesus regularly reminded His disciples to “Have faith in God” (Mark 11:22b).
Only God is totally faithful, even when our faith fails: “If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself” (2 Timothy 2:3). It is part of His character, His essence, much like love. He is faithful to:
- Keep His promises (Proverbs 30:5).
- Forgive us (1 John 1:9).
- Provide for us (Matthew 6:28-33).
- Comfort us (2 Corinthians 1:4-5).
- Go before us and never leave us (Deuteronomy 31:8).
- Strengthen us (Isaiah 41:10).
The Lord is faithful in so many other ways, too, now and forever. Scripture tells us, “Know therefore that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His faithfulness to a thousand generations for those who love Him and keep His commandments” (Deuteronomy 7:9). Even when our faithfulness is tested, we can be sure we have God’s faithfulness: “But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen and protect you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
To bolster our faith, God carefully recorded the stories of people who trusted God and can testify to His faithfulness. Consider Noah and the faith it took him to build the Ark (Genesis 6-9). Consider David as he faced Goliath (1 Samuel 17). Consider Abraham as he left all that he knew with all that he had for a land that God had not yet shown him (Genesis 12-13). Consider Elijah as he called down fire on Mount Carmel (1 Kings 18). When we are up against the wall, out on a limb, facing a giant, or shivering in the dark, we can draw strength from these legacies of faith and from a God who never fails us.
Scripture Reading: Hebrews 11:23-31
Personal Application: When has your faith been tested? When you face trials, remember Who you serve and who you are: “Faithful is He who calls you, and He also will do it” (1 Thessalonians 5:24). What stories of your faith and God’s faithfulness will your family tell when you are gone? How can you make sure you are leaving a legacy of faith to your loved ones?
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5