A few years ago, one of my daughters was going through some really tough stuff. If you are a mother, you know how much it hurts to watch your child go through trials. On top of her situation, I was struggling with my own demons, you might say. I found myself standing in my bedroom crying. Feeling so much hopelessness and despair. And betrayal. Not by any earthly being, but betrayal by God. I looked up through my tears and yelled out, “That’s it. I’m not going to believe in you anymore. I’m done.”
And then I laughed. Yes, I laughed. Because God turned right around and said to me, “If you don’t believe in me then why are you talking to me?” It’s impossible to feel betrayed by something you don’t believe exists! He made it clear to me He wasn’t going anywhere. I then needed to decide if I was going to stay as faithful to Him as He has always promised to be to me.
For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the Lord endures forever. Praise the Lord. Psalm 117:2
God’s faithfulness to us lowly humans has never really been in question. It started in Genesis 1 when He created the heavens and the earth and then mankind. He made it clear that this beautiful, bountiful place we call home was designed for us. To sustain us and to bring us joy. And although scientists have yet to confidently determine the age of this planet, we can at least say it’s been here longer than we have. He carefully prepared the table for us and continues to have it serve His beloved people.
“Sometimes His work goes on quickly, and sometimes it goes on slowly. Man is frequently impatient and thinks that nothing is being done. But humanity’s time is not God’s time. A thousand years in His sight are but as a single day. The great Builder makes no mistakes. He knows what He is doing. He sees the end from the beginning.
J.C. Ryle
This week as we look at the fruit of the spirit: faithfulness, I will venture into three areas. First, today, the faithfulness of God to us. Then the opposite path –our faithfulness to Him. And last, how our fruit of faithfulness sees its work in the world.
I think it’s almost a given now that in each era theologians, pastors, Christians, and even non-believers determine “this is it.” The world is coming to an end. Some have found “proof” that the goings on of man are evidence that we are in the end times found in Revelations. But it’s the view of the “end” taken so often that is fascinating. The idea that God is now so done with us that He is going to rain down fire and smote the wicked has reared up throughout the ages.
To be sure, God keeps His promises. He has since the first covenant with man. And this version of the world, as we know it will one day end. Many would view that as a scary and unloving idea. That is, if we didn’t see God as loving and ever-faithful.
If you wish to know God, you must know His Word. If you wish to perceive His power, you must see how He works by His Word. If you wish to know His purpose before it comes to pass, you can only discover it by His Word.
Charles Spurgeon
When my Bible Study Girls decided to delve into the book of Revelations many of us did so with trepidation. We were told by pastors and others how difficult and, at times, worrisome, the book can be. In the end, what we learned was God is a faithful and merciful God. He is working right now to create a New Eden. One that sees no pain or suffering. One where love reigns supreme. Evil exists no more. A place where the complete fulfillment of His covenant with man is revealed. The only thing we have to do is be faithful in return.
My friends, God has never left us. He’s not planning to, ever. He has shown up in your life every, single day. Yes, even when it felt too hard. Has He solved all your problems? No. Has He provided a path toward all your problems being solved one day? Yes. He has never stopped loving you or me.
Of all the fruits of the spirit, it is faithfulness that can teach us so much about God and how to blossom in the other fruit. Faithfulness is not just about knowing God. As James 2:19 says, “You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that – and shudder.” No, faithfulness is about stick-to-it-ness because you love and respect something so much.
I will sing of the Lord’s great love forever; with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations. I will declare that your love stands firm forever, that you have established your faithfulness in heaven itself. Psalm 89:1-2
God has never disappeared. Even during the most horrific events in time. Even during the worst of situations now. When you seek Him, you will definitely see Him. And He will say, “Keep talking to me. I’m not going anywhere.”
Coming up: Our Faithfulness to the Father
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