An average Christian constantly lives under the fear of being cheated by God. Will God fail me in the examination? Will God let me down in this matter? Will God send me to hell? Will God…? All the above may happen to us but not because God does it. The blame may be on us. If we turn our attention on us and constantly ask, ‘ Will I fail God?’ we will do better. Our God is not a capricious God. If we study His faithfulness it will make us look at life in a totally different way and we will be strengthened to face the various situations in our life. Our God is not a flip-flopper like the untrustworthy man-made gods. He is a faithful God. That is why the cry of God-made man, “I will trust You” is woven throughout the fabric of the Bible. Faithful means loyal, trustworthy, consistently reliable, dependable. Let’s see how the faithfulness of God casts an iridescent seven colour rainbow across our lives.
1. The faithfulness of God and our Forgiveness
When Job was crushed he imagined that God was holding him accountable for the sins of his youth (13:26). Why did Judas commit suicide after he repented? Why did he not cry to God for forgiveness? Because he thought his sin was too awful to be forgiven. These are common human errors which can lead to a catalogue of ailments. How can we be sure that God will forgive all our sins and any of our iniquities? The Word of God gives the explicit answer: “The blood of Jesus Christ His son cleanses us from all sin…. If we confess our sins, He is FAITHFUL and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 Jn 1: 7-9). You can take God at His Word. He is faithful. Believe it. He will not cheat you.
How did we come to have fellowship with Jesus Christ? It is because He purged us of all wrongdoing. “God is FAITHFUL, by whom you are called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Cor 1:9). Are you living under the burden of erstwhile sins? Look forward, not backward. Believe Him and be done with the devil who is a liar and accuser.
It would be naive to think that because He died, He forgives the sins of the whole world and brings them into the fellowship. No. He expects something from us. Jesus said, “The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (Jn 6:37). So first of all we must come to Him, admit our sins and make a clean breast of them. Secondly if we say we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness obviously we are lying through our teeth. But if we walk in the light we have fellowship with Him and the blood-cleansing miracle happens (1 Jn 1:6, 7). So come running into His open arms putting away all works of darkness.
2. The Faithfulness of God and our Temptations
When the devil let’s a temptation dangle before you, have you ever thought that it was beyond your strength? Well, you are mistaken. Our faithful God will never ever allow a single temptation beyond your ability to handle it. The intrepid foe will be constantly on your back telling you that God is unfair; He is tempting you sorely. What does the Word say?
“Let him who thinks He stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is FAITHFUL, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way for escape, that you may be able to bear it. Therefore my beloved flee…” (1 Cor 10:12-14).
Every temptation is a balancing act on a flimsy trapeze. We need to call upon every bit of willpower we possess. But don’t be flustered. Nothing unusual is happening to you. Study from cover to cover of your Bible on your knees how people escaped temptations. What gave strength to Joseph’s feet to run away? What gave determination to the hands of Abraham to refuse to even touch the booty laid at his feet? (Gen 14:23). Who gave grit to the eyes of Job not to ogle at women? (Job 31:1). There are enough examples for us to learn from.
Even then you won’t get pat answers or miraculous deliverance from temptations. But if you keep on crying to God and keep struggling, you will find that God will some how keep you from sinning. If you keep on trying to turn the key in the lock, suddenly it will click and the exit door will open. The trouble is that we don’t take temptations seriously and deal with it.
Despite our best efforts we still can fall through the cracks at times. So then what happens? Do you view God as an executioner with an axe in his right hand ready to chop off your head, the moment you sin? Far from it. When we stumble He doesn’t stamp on us. He picks us up, dusts us off and gets us moving again.
“In all things He had to be made like His brothers, that He might be a merciful and FAITHFUL High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted” (Heb 2: 17,18).
“Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more” is God’s promise. So friends, we can now without hesitation walk right up to
God, into the Holy place. Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of His sacrifice, acting as our priest before God. The curtain into God’s presence is His body. So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we are presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going” (The Message). “For He who promised is FAITHFUL” (Heb 10:17-23).
For all our failures we ought to have been squashed like worms. But Jeremiah says, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your FAITHFULNESS” (Lam 3:22,23).
How great? God never washes off His hands on us. We may disappoint Him every day and cry to Him. He responds with ‘good morning compassions’ every day so that we don’t get bogged with disappointment with ourselves. But we cannot take advantage of His compassionate heart. What do you think of the couple who divorced their spouses to marry and said, “We know what we did was wrong. But we also know God forgives.” “You can sin and get away with it” is a big lie of satan.
How do we respond to God’s faithfulness? First of all take heed lest you fall. Never underestimate the cunningness of the devil. You could fall flat on your face when temptation strikes like lightning. So forget about self-confidence and develop God-confidence. He will never push you beyond your limits. Look around and find your way out. Nip temptation in the bud. ”Flee” says the Bible—run away! If you cannot run away then throw away—be it TV remote, dirty novel or your mobile. That’s not as bad as loosing your right eye or right arm. That’s how seriously Jesus spoke about eternal life.
A senior person can serve as a buffer when you hit a rough patch. Don’t be ashamed to confide in him. God provides the escape door most certainly. It’s your job to use it. The Lord will not shove you out. You have to make the great escape. “You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it” said Margaret Thatcher. It makes sense here. Even if a situation seems hopeless if you don’t give in, then victory is yours.
3. The Faithfulness of God and our Sanctification
It seems there is no end to the unremitting attacks of satan. He just wants to shake us till we snap. Will we ever make it? Can we become as holy as the Lord expects us to be? Can we say, ‘I am where I ought to be, but certainly I am not where I used to be?’ If we can answer in the affirmative then we are walking the path of sanctification. You do what God tells you to do and He does the rest for you. God never puts us in situations He can’t get us out of. Let our watchword be, “God is able.”
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is FAITHFUL, who also will do it” (1 Thess 5:23,24).
Is God worthy of our credence? The Bible says ‘Yes’. You can put your staunch trust in Him for your sanctification. He will never go back on His Word. His approach is holistic. When He comes to gather His jewels He will find us spotless in spirit, soul and body.
In Revelations 19:11, He is called Faithful and True. The reason will be clear if we read the entire chapter. “Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage supper of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’…Now I saw heaven open and behold a white horse. And He who sat on him was called FAITHFUL and TRUE” (Rev 19: 7-11). Here on earth we are diffident about our sanctification. But all the while God is completing the slow and steady process till we stand as the spotless, impeccable bride.
When God is so faithful to sanctify us, how do we respond? If we see the verses that precede 1 Thessalonians 5:23,24, they say “Abstain from every form of evil. Now the God of peace himself sanctify you... FAITHFUL.” There should be no gray morality or blurred principles in life. If anything appears evil, don’t have anything to do with it. Never indulge in dubious practices. If people counsel you do not rebuff. Recognize it as a red flag. If your conscience pricks, obey it. Do not remain disdainfully deaf to God’s Word. His wife has to make “herself” ready. You have get ‘yourself’ ready to meet God. What is the fine linen, clean and bright that is given her? It is her own righteous acts! God is faithful to sanctify us but unless we follow with Him, He cannot help us.
There are people who say, “Once saved, we have a straight passport to heaven. If we sin our rewards only will be affected.” I beg to differ. They make you believe that Bible standard is too high. The yardstick of holiness set by men is coming down gradually to the extent now live-in relationship is acceptable, homosexuality is not sin and moral failure is winked at. Inhibitions have been shed. Men have lost their reason. We have lost our capacity for shock, disgust and outrage against sin. It is time to educate our conscience.
Can we take such a mammoth risk concerning our eternal life? God’s faithfulness must be reciprocated. It is important to be obedient not only in major things but in minor matters as well. And remember, sin is not an accidental drop into the well; it is rather a purposeful, slow walk down the steps. You can stop at any step and climb back.
4. The Faithfulness of God and our Trials
At no other time than when we suffer, do we question the faithfulness of God. Rough rides in life make us believe that God has left and satan has taken over. David was one man who understood the faithfulness of God in trials perfectly. We know how he was roasted in fire. He says, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes... and that in FAITHFULNESS You have afflicted me” (Psa 119:71,75).
Trials are God’s crucible to mould us. Job never doubted the faithfulness of God in his sufferings. He said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (13:15). That is the right attitude when going through trials. Whenever I punish my granddaughter she says, “Amama is a bad girl.” Many of us treat God the same way. He is not Alladin’s genie to supply us what all we want and help in emergencies. Rather he is our Faithful Father committed to carry us to the right destiny.
“These things says the Amen, the FAITHFUL and TRUE witness…As many as I love I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent”
(Rev 3:14,19). Rough and tumble rides in life are foolproof proof that God loves us. It is a stamp of His fatherhood. If God is unfaithful, He will leave us as we are—dirty, smelly, filthy. But no, He wants us in Heaven with Him and therefore prunes us. So stick to Him like gum. We are like balloons with God holding the strings of suffering tightly. If not we would drift off.
Each trial teaches us His statutes (Psa 119:71). Be zealous to learn it and change yourself. What do you expect from your child when you smack him? Run away from home? The answer is a resounding, ‘No.’ If he runs away impetuously how’d you feel? It is exactly the same with God. No matter how unfair suffering may seem, it can develop strong character in us. So never turn your back on God.
“Let those who suffer according to God’s will commit their souls to their FAITHFUL Creator and continue to do good” (1 Pet 4 :19). Why to the faithful Creator? David gives the answer : “Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments ... in FAITHFULNESS you have afflicted me” (Psa 119: 73,75). Only your Creator can give you understanding in your trials and teach you.
So what do you do when things are bearing down particularly hard? Commit your soul to Him and continue to do good. Our reaction to suffering is to drop the good work we are doing. That is the greatest of all mistakes we can ever do. Continue the good work.
5. The Faithfulness of God and our Families
I recall a sister phoning me and saying that she was very worried about her children. She was filled with anxiety whether her children will turn out to be godly and if they can overcome temptation and stand the trials of the wicked world. I groped for the right words. Then I asked her one question: “Was God faithful to you in your temptations and the aftermath?” “Oh, yes,” she said; “God has kept me so far and I am faithful to God.” Then I asked her another question, “Why can’t you trust the same God to keep your children?” She thought for a minute and said, “Yes, I can.” She called me after a few days and said that God had calmed her thudding heart and busting brain.
Our God who brought us thus far is able to care for our seed too. He will not forsake the children of those who are faithful to Him. “Know that the Lord your God, He is God, the FAITHFUL God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and obey His commandments” (Dt 7:9).
Why then do we see the offspring of godly people forsaking God? you may ask. Adult children are responsible for the decision they make. Even though taught everything by parents it is up to them to accept or reject God. What God told David regarding his progeny lifts up our spirits. “If his sons forsake my law and do not walk in My judgments, if they break My statutes and do not obey my commandments, then I will punish their transgressions with the rod and their iniquities with stripes. Nevertheless My loving kindness I will not utterly take from him nor allow My FAITHFULNESS to fail” (Psa 89:30-33).
Even though this is a specific promise given to David, all those who love God can pray to God to deal with their backslidden children thus. Though seemingly most sons of David forsook God, in the end God gave David someone to sit on his throne to reign forever —the Son of David, Jesus, and through Him so many faithful children! So trust God for your children and grandchildren. He is faithful!
For any problem in family life count on the faithfulness of God. Don’t allow the nagging monster of doubt to eat you away. “By faith Sarah received strength to conceive seed and she bore a child when she was passed the age, because she judged Him FAITHFUL who had promised” (Heb 11:11).
What does God ask you in return? “Love Him and keep His commandments” (Dt 7:9). The faithfulness of God for the future generations is guaranteed only to those who love Him and obey His commandments. You cannot live as you please and claim the promise.
6. The Faithfulness of God and our Ministry
The importance of serving God is the topic of the day and missions are mushrooming everywhere. Those who hear tear-jerking, emotion-stirring sermons commit their lives to serve the Lord. They jump into the fields to start active ministry. But sadly, when they encounter wicked men who fight tooth and nail to stop their work, they collapse. Doubts assail them. There could be other reasons like health problems, misunderstanding with co-workers, threat to life, etc. Many go back from the field. A ship in the harbor is safe; but that’s not what ships are built for.
In Isaiah chapter 49 we read the prophecy about Jesus Christ, “I will also give you as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth. ...kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord who is FAITHFUL, the Holy one of Israel; and He has chosen You” (vv 6,7,9).
God was faithful to His servant Jesus till His work was complete. God sent Paul to bear His name before Gentiles, kings and the children of Israel. He was faithful till his work was complete. If God has chosen you to serve Him, do not be shaken by anything or anyone. Go forth like a bulldozer.
When Jesus was hanging on the cross the bulls of Bashan shouted, “He trusted in God, let Him deliver Him” (Mt 27:43). God was trustworthy. He delivered Jesus from death itself!
“These things says He who is holy, He who is TRUE, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens: I know your works. See I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it” (Rev 3: 7,8). This oft quoted promise is by the One who is true, faithful and trustworthy. Believe Him and persevere. “Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will also keep you…” (v 10). If God has trusted you with a ministry, be trustworthy.
If God has called you to serve Him, go ahead undeterred. He is true but you must be persevering. Remember it is a commandment. The secret of a successful ministry is perseverance. God is with those who persevere. Persevere and occupy; we are not licked yet. If you keep your hand on the plough and look back then the deal is over.
7. The Faithfulness of God and our Protection
The collapse of economy, accidents, tsunami, earthquake, Talibans, terrorism, illnesses, murders, the devil—all make this world an insecure place to live in. Where do we run when we face danger? There is no worry for the children of God. “He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge; His FAITHFULNESS shall be your shield and rampart” (Psa 91:4 NIV). Anyone who has reared hens at home will know how fiercely she protects her brood even from snakes and mangooses to the point of sacrificing her life. How much more our God!
“Like birds flying about, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem. Defending, He will also deliver it; passing over, He will preserve it. Return to Him...” (Isa 31:5, 6a). Jesus was passionate about Jerusalem. He wanted to protect her from the onslaught of the enemy. He cried, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing” (Mt 23:37). That is the love of a mother.
All we have to do is to return and be willing. He is faithful to the faithful. Put your trust in God. Nothing can by any means harm you. “The Lord is FAITHFUL who will establish you and guard you from the evil one” (2 Thess 3:3).
Having seen the seven areas of our life where God is faithful, let us consider the Apostle and High Priest, Christ Jesus. Christ was “FAITHFUL to Him who appointed Him…. as a Son over His own house, whose house we are” (Heb 3:1-6). We are God’s house. In every area of our lives He is faithful and with a faithful God on whose shoulders we can always lean, life doesn’t look so forbidding! “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and feed on His FAITHFULNESS” (Psa 37:3).
In epilogue, I recollect my late aunt whom we called Mani athai. We used to have family tennis matches. She was the weakest and nobody wanted her as a partner. So she would be partnered to my uncle who was the best player. He would shake hands with her and enter the court. He would draw a small square inside the court and instruct her to take the service and take her place inside the square. She was not supposed to stir out of it. He would cover the entire court, play single handedly and win the match. So she too would get the winner’s medal. I see myself in partnership with God. I play my little part. God wins and I share the winner’s credit with Him. My Lord is FAITHFUL and He will never let me down!
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
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An average Christian constantly lives under the fear of being cheated by God. Will God fail me in the examination? Will God let me down in this matter? Will God send me to hell? Will God…? All the above may happen to us but not because God does it. The blame may be on us. If we turn our attention on us and constantly ask, ‘ Will I fail God?’ we will do better. Our God is not a capricious God. If we study His faithfulness it will make us look at life in a totally different way and we will be strengthened to face the various situations in our life. Our God is not a flip-flopper like the untrustworthy man-made gods. He is a faithful God. That is why the cry of God-made man, “I will trust You” is woven throughout the fabric of the Bible. Faithful means loyal, trustworthy, consistently reliable, dependable. Let’s see how the faithfulness of God casts an iridescent seven colour rainbow across our lives.
1. The faithfulness of God and our Forgiveness
When Job was crushed he imagined that God was holding him accountable for the sins of his youth (13:26). Why did Judas commit suicide after he repented? Why did he not cry to God for forgiveness? Because he thought his sin was too awful to be forgiven. These are common human errors which can lead to a catalogue of ailments. How can we be sure that God will forgive all our sins and any of our iniquities? The Word of God gives the explicit answer: “The blood of Jesus Christ His son cleanses us from all sin…. If we confess our sins, He is FAITHFUL and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 Jn 1: 7-9). You can take God at His Word. He is faithful. Believe it. He will not cheat you.
How did we come to have fellowship with Jesus Christ? It is because He purged us of all wrongdoing. “God is FAITHFUL, by whom you are called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Cor 1:9). Are you living under the burden of erstwhile sins? Look forward, not backward. Believe Him and be done with the devil who is a liar and accuser.
It would be naive to think that because He died, He forgives the sins of the whole world and brings them into the fellowship. No. He expects something from us. Jesus said, “The one who comes to Me I will by no means cast out” (Jn 6:37). So first of all we must come to Him, admit our sins and make a clean breast of them. Secondly if we say we have fellowship with Him and walk in darkness obviously we are lying through our teeth. But if we walk in the light we have fellowship with Him and the blood-cleansing miracle happens (1 Jn 1:6, 7). So come running into His open arms putting away all works of darkness.
2. The Faithfulness of God and our Temptations
When the devil let’s a temptation dangle before you, have you ever thought that it was beyond your strength? Well, you are mistaken. Our faithful God will never ever allow a single temptation beyond your ability to handle it. The intrepid foe will be constantly on your back telling you that God is unfair; He is tempting you sorely. What does the Word say?
“Let him who thinks He stands take heed lest he fall. No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is FAITHFUL, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way for escape, that you may be able to bear it. Therefore my beloved flee…” (1 Cor 10:12-14).
Every temptation is a balancing act on a flimsy trapeze. We need to call upon every bit of willpower we possess. But don’t be flustered. Nothing unusual is happening to you. Study from cover to cover of your Bible on your knees how people escaped temptations. What gave strength to Joseph’s feet to run away? What gave determination to the hands of Abraham to refuse to even touch the booty laid at his feet? (Gen 14:23). Who gave grit to the eyes of Job not to ogle at women? (Job 31:1). There are enough examples for us to learn from.
Even then you won’t get pat answers or miraculous deliverance from temptations. But if you keep on crying to God and keep struggling, you will find that God will some how keep you from sinning. If you keep on trying to turn the key in the lock, suddenly it will click and the exit door will open. The trouble is that we don’t take temptations seriously and deal with it.
Despite our best efforts we still can fall through the cracks at times. So then what happens? Do you view God as an executioner with an axe in his right hand ready to chop off your head, the moment you sin? Far from it. When we stumble He doesn’t stamp on us. He picks us up, dusts us off and gets us moving again.
“In all things He had to be made like His brothers, that He might be a merciful and FAITHFUL High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted” (Heb 2: 17,18).
“Their sins and their lawless deeds I will remember no more” is God’s promise. So friends, we can now without hesitation walk right up to
God, into the Holy place. Jesus has cleared the way by the blood of His sacrifice, acting as our priest before God. The curtain into God’s presence is His body. So let’s do it—full of belief, confident that we are presentable inside and out. Let’s keep a firm grip on the promises that keep us going” (The Message). “For He who promised is FAITHFUL” (Heb 10:17-23).
For all our failures we ought to have been squashed like worms. But Jeremiah says, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; great is Your FAITHFULNESS” (Lam 3:22,23).
How great? God never washes off His hands on us. We may disappoint Him every day and cry to Him. He responds with ‘good morning compassions’ every day so that we don’t get bogged with disappointment with ourselves. But we cannot take advantage of His compassionate heart. What do you think of the couple who divorced their spouses to marry and said, “We know what we did was wrong. But we also know God forgives.” “You can sin and get away with it” is a big lie of satan.
How do we respond to God’s faithfulness? First of all take heed lest you fall. Never underestimate the cunningness of the devil. You could fall flat on your face when temptation strikes like lightning. So forget about self-confidence and develop God-confidence. He will never push you beyond your limits. Look around and find your way out. Nip temptation in the bud. ”Flee” says the Bible—run away! If you cannot run away then throw away—be it TV remote, dirty novel or your mobile. That’s not as bad as loosing your right eye or right arm. That’s how seriously Jesus spoke about eternal life.
A senior person can serve as a buffer when you hit a rough patch. Don’t be ashamed to confide in him. God provides the escape door most certainly. It’s your job to use it. The Lord will not shove you out. You have to make the great escape. “You may have to fight a battle more than once to win it” said Margaret Thatcher. It makes sense here. Even if a situation seems hopeless if you don’t give in, then victory is yours.
3. The Faithfulness of God and our Sanctification
It seems there is no end to the unremitting attacks of satan. He just wants to shake us till we snap. Will we ever make it? Can we become as holy as the Lord expects us to be? Can we say, ‘I am where I ought to be, but certainly I am not where I used to be?’ If we can answer in the affirmative then we are walking the path of sanctification. You do what God tells you to do and He does the rest for you. God never puts us in situations He can’t get us out of. Let our watchword be, “God is able.”
“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is FAITHFUL, who also will do it” (1 Thess 5:23,24).
Is God worthy of our credence? The Bible says ‘Yes’. You can put your staunch trust in Him for your sanctification. He will never go back on His Word. His approach is holistic. When He comes to gather His jewels He will find us spotless in spirit, soul and body.
In Revelations 19:11, He is called Faithful and True. The reason will be clear if we read the entire chapter. “Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage supper of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready. And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints. Then he said to me, “Write: ‘Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!’…Now I saw heaven open and behold a white horse. And He who sat on him was called FAITHFUL and TRUE” (Rev 19: 7-11). Here on earth we are diffident about our sanctification. But all the while God is completing the slow and steady process till we stand as the spotless, impeccable bride.
When God is so faithful to sanctify us, how do we respond? If we see the verses that precede 1 Thessalonians 5:23,24, they say “Abstain from every form of evil. Now the God of peace himself sanctify you... FAITHFUL.” There should be no gray morality or blurred principles in life. If anything appears evil, don’t have anything to do with it. Never indulge in dubious practices. If people counsel you do not rebuff. Recognize it as a red flag. If your conscience pricks, obey it. Do not remain disdainfully deaf to God’s Word. His wife has to make “herself” ready. You have get ‘yourself’ ready to meet God. What is the fine linen, clean and bright that is given her? It is her own righteous acts! God is faithful to sanctify us but unless we follow with Him, He cannot help us.
There are people who say, “Once saved, we have a straight passport to heaven. If we sin our rewards only will be affected.” I beg to differ. They make you believe that Bible standard is too high. The yardstick of holiness set by men is coming down gradually to the extent now live-in relationship is acceptable, homosexuality is not sin and moral failure is winked at. Inhibitions have been shed. Men have lost their reason. We have lost our capacity for shock, disgust and outrage against sin. It is time to educate our conscience.
Can we take such a mammoth risk concerning our eternal life? God’s faithfulness must be reciprocated. It is important to be obedient not only in major things but in minor matters as well. And remember, sin is not an accidental drop into the well; it is rather a purposeful, slow walk down the steps. You can stop at any step and climb back.
4. The Faithfulness of God and our Trials
At no other time than when we suffer, do we question the faithfulness of God. Rough rides in life make us believe that God has left and satan has taken over. David was one man who understood the faithfulness of God in trials perfectly. We know how he was roasted in fire. He says, “It is good for me that I have been afflicted, that I may learn your statutes... and that in FAITHFULNESS You have afflicted me” (Psa 119:71,75).
Trials are God’s crucible to mould us. Job never doubted the faithfulness of God in his sufferings. He said, “Though He slay me, yet will I trust Him” (13:15). That is the right attitude when going through trials. Whenever I punish my granddaughter she says, “Amama is a bad girl.” Many of us treat God the same way. He is not Alladin’s genie to supply us what all we want and help in emergencies. Rather he is our Faithful Father committed to carry us to the right destiny.
“These things says the Amen, the FAITHFUL and TRUE witness…As many as I love I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent”
(Rev 3:14,19). Rough and tumble rides in life are foolproof proof that God loves us. It is a stamp of His fatherhood. If God is unfaithful, He will leave us as we are—dirty, smelly, filthy. But no, He wants us in Heaven with Him and therefore prunes us. So stick to Him like gum. We are like balloons with God holding the strings of suffering tightly. If not we would drift off.
Each trial teaches us His statutes (Psa 119:71). Be zealous to learn it and change yourself. What do you expect from your child when you smack him? Run away from home? The answer is a resounding, ‘No.’ If he runs away impetuously how’d you feel? It is exactly the same with God. No matter how unfair suffering may seem, it can develop strong character in us. So never turn your back on God.
“Let those who suffer according to God’s will commit their souls to their FAITHFUL Creator and continue to do good” (1 Pet 4 :19). Why to the faithful Creator? David gives the answer : “Your hands have made me and fashioned me; give me understanding that I may learn your commandments ... in FAITHFULNESS you have afflicted me” (Psa 119: 73,75). Only your Creator can give you understanding in your trials and teach you.
So what do you do when things are bearing down particularly hard? Commit your soul to Him and continue to do good. Our reaction to suffering is to drop the good work we are doing. That is the greatest of all mistakes we can ever do. Continue the good work.
5. The Faithfulness of God and our Families
I recall a sister phoning me and saying that she was very worried about her children. She was filled with anxiety whether her children will turn out to be godly and if they can overcome temptation and stand the trials of the wicked world. I groped for the right words. Then I asked her one question: “Was God faithful to you in your temptations and the aftermath?” “Oh, yes,” she said; “God has kept me so far and I am faithful to God.” Then I asked her another question, “Why can’t you trust the same God to keep your children?” She thought for a minute and said, “Yes, I can.” She called me after a few days and said that God had calmed her thudding heart and busting brain.
Our God who brought us thus far is able to care for our seed too. He will not forsake the children of those who are faithful to Him. “Know that the Lord your God, He is God, the FAITHFUL God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and obey His commandments” (Dt 7:9).
Why then do we see the offspring of godly people forsaking God? you may ask. Adult children are responsible for the decision they make. Even though taught everything by parents it is up to them to accept or reject God. What God told David regarding his progeny lifts up our spirits. “If his sons forsake my law and do not walk in My judgments, if they break My statutes and do not obey my commandments, then I will punish their transgressions with the rod and their iniquities with stripes. Nevertheless My loving kindness I will not utterly take from him nor allow My FAITHFULNESS to fail” (Psa 89:30-33).
Even though this is a specific promise given to David, all those who love God can pray to God to deal with their backslidden children thus. Though seemingly most sons of David forsook God, in the end God gave David someone to sit on his throne to reign forever —the Son of David, Jesus, and through Him so many faithful children! So trust God for your children and grandchildren. He is faithful!
For any problem in family life count on the faithfulness of God. Don’t allow the nagging monster of doubt to eat you away. “By faith Sarah received strength to conceive seed and she bore a child when she was passed the age, because she judged Him FAITHFUL who had promised” (Heb 11:11).
What does God ask you in return? “Love Him and keep His commandments” (Dt 7:9). The faithfulness of God for the future generations is guaranteed only to those who love Him and obey His commandments. You cannot live as you please and claim the promise.
6. The Faithfulness of God and our Ministry
The importance of serving God is the topic of the day and missions are mushrooming everywhere. Those who hear tear-jerking, emotion-stirring sermons commit their lives to serve the Lord. They jump into the fields to start active ministry. But sadly, when they encounter wicked men who fight tooth and nail to stop their work, they collapse. Doubts assail them. There could be other reasons like health problems, misunderstanding with co-workers, threat to life, etc. Many go back from the field. A ship in the harbor is safe; but that’s not what ships are built for.
In Isaiah chapter 49 we read the prophecy about Jesus Christ, “I will also give you as a light to the Gentiles, that You should be My salvation to the ends of the earth. ...kings shall see and arise, princes also shall worship, because of the Lord who is FAITHFUL, the Holy one of Israel; and He has chosen You” (vv 6,7,9).
God was faithful to His servant Jesus till His work was complete. God sent Paul to bear His name before Gentiles, kings and the children of Israel. He was faithful till his work was complete. If God has chosen you to serve Him, do not be shaken by anything or anyone. Go forth like a bulldozer.
When Jesus was hanging on the cross the bulls of Bashan shouted, “He trusted in God, let Him deliver Him” (Mt 27:43). God was trustworthy. He delivered Jesus from death itself!
“These things says He who is holy, He who is TRUE, He who has the key of David, He who opens and no one shuts, and shuts and no one opens: I know your works. See I have set before you an open door, and no one can shut it” (Rev 3: 7,8). This oft quoted promise is by the One who is true, faithful and trustworthy. Believe Him and persevere. “Because you have obeyed my command to persevere, I will also keep you…” (v 10). If God has trusted you with a ministry, be trustworthy.
If God has called you to serve Him, go ahead undeterred. He is true but you must be persevering. Remember it is a commandment. The secret of a successful ministry is perseverance. God is with those who persevere. Persevere and occupy; we are not licked yet. If you keep your hand on the plough and look back then the deal is over.
7. The Faithfulness of God and our Protection
The collapse of economy, accidents, tsunami, earthquake, Talibans, terrorism, illnesses, murders, the devil—all make this world an insecure place to live in. Where do we run when we face danger? There is no worry for the children of God. “He will cover you with His feathers and under His wings you will find refuge; His FAITHFULNESS shall be your shield and rampart” (Psa 91:4 NIV). Anyone who has reared hens at home will know how fiercely she protects her brood even from snakes and mangooses to the point of sacrificing her life. How much more our God!
“Like birds flying about, so will the Lord of hosts defend Jerusalem. Defending, He will also deliver it; passing over, He will preserve it. Return to Him...” (Isa 31:5, 6a). Jesus was passionate about Jerusalem. He wanted to protect her from the onslaught of the enemy. He cried, “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, the one who kills the prophets and stones those who are sent to her! How often I wanted to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, but you were not willing” (Mt 23:37). That is the love of a mother.
All we have to do is to return and be willing. He is faithful to the faithful. Put your trust in God. Nothing can by any means harm you. “The Lord is FAITHFUL who will establish you and guard you from the evil one” (2 Thess 3:3).
Having seen the seven areas of our life where God is faithful, let us consider the Apostle and High Priest, Christ Jesus. Christ was “FAITHFUL to Him who appointed Him…. as a Son over His own house, whose house we are” (Heb 3:1-6). We are God’s house. In every area of our lives He is faithful and with a faithful God on whose shoulders we can always lean, life doesn’t look so forbidding! “Trust in the Lord and do good; dwell in the land and feed on His FAITHFULNESS” (Psa 37:3).
In epilogue, I recollect my late aunt whom we called Mani athai. We used to have family tennis matches. She was the weakest and nobody wanted her as a partner. So she would be partnered to my uncle who was the best player. He would shake hands with her and enter the court. He would draw a small square inside the court and instruct her to take the service and take her place inside the square. She was not supposed to stir out of it. He would cover the entire court, play single handedly and win the match. So she too would get the winner’s medal. I see myself in partnership with God. I play my little part. God wins and I share the winner’s credit with Him. My Lord is FAITHFUL and He will never let me down!
Dr. Lilian Stanley
13 Church Colony
Vellore 632006, India
+91 9843511943
lilianstanley@gmail.com
Blessing Youth Mission
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