Pastor Alex challenged us to think about why we might not believe that God is enough. It is easy to do, as we think of ourselves as independent, self-sufficient and capable. If we want things done, we set our mind to it and do it. But, if you live in and belong to God’s kingdom- that is not the way things are done. God has another way and it often takes a lifetime of living God’s way to accept it as reality.
God’s way and His kingdom are built on trust, obedience and faith in His sufficiency. We need to fully, or as much as we can, understand God’s faithfulness. Faithfulness is an integral part of His character and never leaves Him. We can always depend upon God’s faithfulness. Here is a definition of God’s faithfulness: God knows and loves each of His own. He will do all He has promised: care for, make us strong; forgive and make us new; protect and purify us. God has had a plan from the beginning of time to restore the world broken by sin, and God is faithful to His own plan. We know God is faithful because He sent His Son to the cross to keep His promise. He is faithful to Himself and His Word. We can trust Him to keep all of His promises.
How is this faithfulness seen in scripture? The stories in both the Old and New Testaments tell of men and women who succeed and fail in their walk with God and yet, God stays with them and blesses them so that His plan will move forward. God’s Word show us how humanity moves forward in God’s way with His plan in spite of their sin and rebellion. Actually, I find this comforting. We do not need to be perfect for God’s plans to be accomplished- just willing and obedient. God promises to take care of the evil ones among us- we have to trust Him on this and not fret over it.
Here are some of my favorite scriptures showing God’s faithfulness of character: Genesis 28:15 “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” God gave this promise to Jacob as he was on his way to his uncle’s house. He was running away from his brother Esau’s anger. God did indeed return Jacob to his homeland and amend his relationship with his brother. Joshua, on his deathbed, tell the people of God’s faithfulness in Joshua 23:14 “And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed.” Hebrews 10:22-23 “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Which of these do you cling to when you need to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness? I lean into the Hebrews, Peter and John scriptures and meditate on their truths in my life.
One of my go-to verses also relates to this topic of the faithfulness of God in my life. 2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” When Pastor Alex asked why God? How can this be? Are you sure you are enough? This scriptures was screaming in my head. In all things God is sufficient. Why? Because He is God, He is the All-Sufficient One, He is Almighty Sovereign God. I don’t need to go beyond that when I contemplate and know in my heart that He is God then I realize nothing is too big or greater than God! I mean nothing- relationally, emotionally, physically…all are under God’s control. Recall Romans 8:28 “ And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” KNOW IT and CLAIM IT in your life. God said it and it will be done His way. Truly, I may not see it right now but I have to trust Him for the hard things knowing His will prevails and He wins = me winning too!
So, when Pastor Alex challenges us to believe in God’s faithfulness, what will be your answer? Jesus tell us in Matthew 6:20-21 “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Where are you investing your time, talent and treasure? Let it be with God as we know He is faithful and will be with us all the way!
Linda
God’s way and His kingdom are built on trust, obedience and faith in His sufficiency. We need to fully, or as much as we can, understand God’s faithfulness. Faithfulness is an integral part of His character and never leaves Him. We can always depend upon God’s faithfulness. Here is a definition of God’s faithfulness: God knows and loves each of His own. He will do all He has promised: care for, make us strong; forgive and make us new; protect and purify us. God has had a plan from the beginning of time to restore the world broken by sin, and God is faithful to His own plan. We know God is faithful because He sent His Son to the cross to keep His promise. He is faithful to Himself and His Word. We can trust Him to keep all of His promises.
How is this faithfulness seen in scripture? The stories in both the Old and New Testaments tell of men and women who succeed and fail in their walk with God and yet, God stays with them and blesses them so that His plan will move forward. God’s Word show us how humanity moves forward in God’s way with His plan in spite of their sin and rebellion. Actually, I find this comforting. We do not need to be perfect for God’s plans to be accomplished- just willing and obedient. God promises to take care of the evil ones among us- we have to trust Him on this and not fret over it.
Here are some of my favorite scriptures showing God’s faithfulness of character: Genesis 28:15 “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” God gave this promise to Jacob as he was on his way to his uncle’s house. He was running away from his brother Esau’s anger. God did indeed return Jacob to his homeland and amend his relationship with his brother. Joshua, on his deathbed, tell the people of God’s faithfulness in Joshua 23:14 “And now I am about to go the way of all the earth, and you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed.” Hebrews 10:22-23 “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. 2 Peter 3:9 “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. 1 John 1:9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. Which of these do you cling to when you need to remind yourself of God’s faithfulness? I lean into the Hebrews, Peter and John scriptures and meditate on their truths in my life.
One of my go-to verses also relates to this topic of the faithfulness of God in my life. 2 Corinthians 12:9 “But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” When Pastor Alex asked why God? How can this be? Are you sure you are enough? This scriptures was screaming in my head. In all things God is sufficient. Why? Because He is God, He is the All-Sufficient One, He is Almighty Sovereign God. I don’t need to go beyond that when I contemplate and know in my heart that He is God then I realize nothing is too big or greater than God! I mean nothing- relationally, emotionally, physically…all are under God’s control. Recall Romans 8:28 “ And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” KNOW IT and CLAIM IT in your life. God said it and it will be done His way. Truly, I may not see it right now but I have to trust Him for the hard things knowing His will prevails and He wins = me winning too!
So, when Pastor Alex challenges us to believe in God’s faithfulness, what will be your answer? Jesus tell us in Matthew 6:20-21 “but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Where are you investing your time, talent and treasure? Let it be with God as we know He is faithful and will be with us all the way!
Linda
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Linda is a member of Crossroads church and regularly blogs about her faith.
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