For Better or Worse
But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23 gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law. 24 Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires. 25 Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit. 26 Let us not become conceited, provoking, and envying each other. Galatians 5:22-26
Faithfulness is faith in good times and in the bad. Unwavering trust. Before I truly turned myself over to God fully, my “faith” was contingent on whether God was doing what I wanted on my time schedule. Several years ago, I had someone that was very close to me, and I loved them dearly. I prayed daily, fervently for this person. I believed that my prayers were going to be answered. But they were not. I felt a strong sense of betrayal and I was confused on why after all my prayers all my declarations of faith, why did God not honor my prayers? I was angry and quit praying. “What’s the point God in praying if you are not going to hear me?”
In addition, I began to worry about other requests I had made concerning my children, would he not answer those as well? I began worrying extensively and it affected me physically, mentally, and spiritually. I realized that ultimately, I had no control over these situations. That was reserved for God.
True faith is not contingent on getting what you ask for or want. True faith is accepting his Will. God’s Will is supreme and will be accomplished according to His plan. God only wants what is best for all of us but sometimes our choices deny us the best. We can pray fervently and faithfully for a person but ultimately the salvation and cooperation with God is up to them. They have free will and God will not take that from them. Honestly, I wouldn’t want him to because to freely chose Jesus is a beautiful experience.
Faithfulness is listed as the seventh fruit of the spirit in Galatians. Like all the spiritual fruits we’ve looked at, faithfulness is an action and a choice. Full unwavering faith, no matter the circumstances is not an easy thing. Sometimes we feel as if God is not hearing us, but he works diligently for each of us. Though we may not see it right away.
Years later I recognize what God allowed to happen was painful at the time but in reflection, it was probably the best outcome to prevent more suffering and pain. Many times, I look back and think to myself, I am glad God did not answer what I asked. I believe that faithfulness and trust go hand in hand.
As I read through the Bible studying faithfulness, I came across the story of Job. In one day, Job lost everything. His children, possessions, respect of his wife and friends yet he never blamed God nor relinquished his faith. In the first chapter of Job, we learn of the terrible calamities that fell upon him. Then in verse 20 we see his reaction:
20 Then Job arose and tore his robe and shaved his head and fell on the ground and worshiped. 21 And he said, “Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD.” 22In all this Job did not sin or charge God with wrong. Job 1:20-22 ESV
If anyone had a reason to question God, it was Job, but he chose to exercise faithfulness to God and trust him. Throughout the book of Job, he is constantly asked what he has done to deserve these calamities. He is rebuked by his friends, ridiculed by his wife and encouraged Job to blame God. However, Job was faithful and even when his health was attacked and he was covered in painful boils, he did not waver and continued to praise and worship God. How many of us would do the same?
Faithfulness is a choice, an action that you must diligently exercise. That begins with making up your mind that you will be faithful and trust the Lord no matter the circumstance. Are you willing to make that decision today? Make faithfulness a habit and part of your walk.
Typist for Jesus
Mustard Seeds, Modern Parables 