We have been getting the paper delivered to our house for nearly twenty two years. During most of that time, we have had the same paper carrier. I have never meet the man but my son has run into him a few times coming home from shift work. This guy is incredible. In those twenty two years, he has never missed a delivery, our paper always comes and is dry. He works FAITHFULLY in some of the most nasty weather nature can throw at us and is always on time. Honestly, the guy is amazing.
My paper carrier reminds me of how FAITHFULNESS empowers and impacts all levels of life around us. I think of all the faithful people, during this time of pandemic, that serve us daily so we can enjoy the quality of life we have. Their faithfulness takes many of them to the front lines to battle the covid-19 virus to preserve lives, to save lives and to, hopefully, find some type of cure. There are many unsung heroes. Without their faithfulness, we would be sunk!
The Bible also talks a great deal about faithfulness. In fact, it is one of the Fruit of the Spirit, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness" (Galatians 5;22 NIV) Faithfulness is one of the evidences that God’s Spirit is having control in our lives. Our faithfulness reflects God’s very character living in us as the Psalmist declares, “Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.” (Pslam 36:5 NIV) As Moses encourages the people of Israel, he reminds them, “He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.” (Deuteronomy 32:4 NIV)
Think about these things…
“No temptation has overtaken you except what is common to mankind. And God is FAITHFUL; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can endure it.” (1 Corinthians 10:14 NIV)
“If we confess our sins, he is FAITHFUL and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9 NIV)
“If we are faithless, he remains FAITHFUL, for he cannot disown himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13 NIV)
“But the Lord is FAITHFUL, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.” (2 Thessalonians 3:3 NIV)
“For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and FAITHFUL high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.” (Hebrews 2:17 NIV)
Our Lord’s FAITHFULNESS encourages us and inspires us to be faithful. I think about my life, and as you think about your life, we remember all the faithful servants God has surrounded us with. I thank God daily and I know you do too, for all the practical examples of faithful men and women that have assisted and inspired us over the years. As we serve God and each other, let us strive to be faithful in the simplest tasks and in the larger endeavours too.
As I have said before, “the world crowns success, God crowns faithfulness.” So, “let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is FAITHFUL.” (Hebrews 10:23 NIV) Remember “…he who promised is FAITHFUL"!!! AMEN!!!
God bless you and thank you for your faithfulness. Your contributions make a big difference in the lives around you! Hang in and keep safe. GOD LOVES YOU – Pastor Ralph
Comentários