Two words that can be hard to comprehend for some people and I would venture to say for all people at some given point in time. To be faithful is to remain steadfast and loyal. Many people, both those of Christian and non-Christian beliefs, are faithful. But what are we faithful to? Are we faithful to the promises we have made to our own? Are we faithful to the standards of society, traditions, or culture? Are the things we are faithful to long lasting – as in forever?
Hebrews 11:1 tells us that faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. To hope is to desire something to happen or have an expectation of something in the future. Our faith rests on the hope of what is to come which we have been promised through the resurrection of Jesus Christ, which we anxiously anticipate celebrating. Being faithful is hard in the face of uncertainty, weakness, loneliness, despair, sorrow or any other emotion that compels us to turn to our own faculties in order to fix or help a situation.
Joshua 1:9 is a verse I was told to read daily during one of the first real life challenges that I faced. The first part of the verse was so hard for me – be strong and courageous; do not be frightened or dismayed. I had the immediate response “but I can’t.” The second part was solace for my soul. God is with me forever no matter what I face. I turn to this verse when being faithful to what I know is true seems impossible. Romans 8:38 is the New Testament echo of this. Nothing can separate us from the love of God. The love of God, miraculously demonstrated through Jesus Christ, was, is, and always will be an action so powerful that overcomes everything of this world.
Nouwen’s prayer sums up our cry to God to help us embody Faithful Forever: ”Help me walk with you today, tomorrow, and always.”
One of the books I’m reading over Lent is The Shack, and I love how God describes herself when she’s first met by the main character. Beyond understanding, loves all, is everywhere with everyone all the time. It’s incredible the personal relationship you can have with God, who is having that same relationship with everyone else simultaneously.
I looked up the Joshua verse and also love the emphasis that “God will be with you wherever you will go.” Not just in the safe places, at church, at home, but also in the battlefields of Ukraine. I pray that the people there can find peace and not be frightened or dismayed.
Thank you for making me “go down this rabbit hole” Kelley!
Thanks for this thoughtful reflection. Where does my faithfulness lie?