When I was in High School, I often spent the week at my grandparent’s house. This was insisted upon by my grandfather because their home was in close proximity to my school. Now, my late granddad would have had me believe that it was because of their close proximity to my school that he wanted me to stay there for the week. However, I am quite sure it was the full spread breakfast my gran prepared for me before school, the leftovers of which he enjoyed, that was the main motivation behind his actions. But, I digress.
My granddad was never late to collect me or drop me off at school in the morning. His promise was sure that when the school bell rang, he would be there to take me home. Or, he’d be ready to drop me off long (and I mean loooong) before the school day would start.
I never fretted or became worrisome at school about whether I would be collected or not. Why? Because I knew the one who would collect me was faithful to his promise to do so.
My grandfather wasn’t perfect, none of us are. But he was faithful to keep his promises. Now, imagine with me, the faithfulness of the One who is perfect. Imagine the faithfulness of our Triune God, Yahweh.
All throughout scripture the Bible teaches of Faith in God. Faith in the reality that He will keep His promises to us.
Hebrews 11:1 states, “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.”
That is easier said than done.
If we examine the world around us, heavens, if we examine our lives, sometimes holding faith that God can turn around our situations for the good can be the most difficult thing to do.
We face the reality of death, the reality of tough financial situations. We face the reality of joblessness, strained relationships and family life… the list just does not let up. This can all lead us to very dark places. And in South Africa that might just be literal dark places… because of loadshedding!
Family, the reality of what we face in day-to-day life is real. Unequivocally, real. What we experience can drain us, rob us, of our resolve to move forward. It can keep us in a loop of pain, unable to move. This is real and God understands this, people of the cross. He understands the contexts we face, He has great compassion for us.
However, the reality of what God can accomplish in our difficult circumstances is also very real.
There is only one way to really see this perspective at full tilt. That is in our precious Lord Jesus.
Hebrews 12:2 states, “Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
Because you see, in Jesus’ life the cross was real. The painful physical torture, not to mention the spiritual anguish, was real to Christ. If it wasn’t, why would He have cried out “My God, My God why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34)
The circumstances of what Jesus went through was so real, He sorrowed in it. But, look at what came on that resurrection Sunday… new life!
Because He endured by Faith (confidence in what He hoped for and assurance about what He did not yet see) that He was accomplishing the goal of salvation for humanity and accomplishing the Father’s will! Despite the suffering. Jesus had faith that the horrible things that were happening were being turned around for an incredibly good purpose.
We might not be battling through crucifixion, but we all have things that we are unable to turn around for good. Yet the word of God says in Rom.8:28, “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him who have been called according to His purpose.”
This promise is not only for the good times but particularly for the bad times. Our Holy Father can take the good, the bad, and the ugly of our lives and turn it around for the good.
Now, it might not look how we think it will look, because His ways are higher than our ways. But, we must trust that it will be good for us.
If you are battling with this today, it is okay. God does not condemn any single one of us in Christ (Rom.8:1).
However, we have a friend, the Holy Spirit who guides us into all truth. Cry with Him, weep to Him. Have that tough conversation with Him. Surround yourself with saints who will encourage you!
Family, know that He was so committed to our salvation that He crushed His Son. He will not leave us in despair and darkness. He has not, and will never, abandon you in these moments… because of Jesus.
My granddad kept his promise to fetch me. Our heavenly Father kept his promises in Christ. He will never break one.
C.S Lewis states: “Faith is seeing light in your heart when all your eyes see is darkness.”
I love you with the love of Jesus.
Stand firm!
Andrew😊