God's Faithfulness

“Don’t be afraid, am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So don’t be afraid, I will provide for you and your children. And he reassured them and spoke KINDLY to them” (Genesis 50:20).

The above Scripture is among the most reassuring in the Bible regarding God’s faithfulness. I know that I could not have done what Joseph did. I would have been very angry and probably vengeful. I might have caused evil for evil. You know the story of Joseph, the son of Jacob, a great grandson of Abraham, having been thrown in a pit to die by his brothers in a fit jealousy, and the story of his false imprisonment and journey to the top spot in Egypt.  God used this time in bondage and prison to soften Joseph’s heart and bring him wisdom. God’s plan for his chosen people will not be derailed by human failings. He is faithful.

There are other great scriptures like the Joseph story.  Jeremiah 29 is about the Israelites in slavery, exile in Babylon. In this incredible story, God uses the Prophet Jeremiah to tell the chosen people to be obedient and pray for their captors and to try to make a normal life. In Jeremiah 29:11 he says, “For I know the plans He has for you, plans to prosper and not harm you, plans for a hope and future.” God’s plans for good will not be derailed, he will succeed.  God brought them out of exile for a second time toward the Promised Land.

In the New Testament, Romans 8:28, “And you know that in all things, God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” He is conforming, molding and making us more like him to suit his plan for us.  This is not fate; it is the grace and love of God for us in Christ Jesus. Paul’s teaching goes on to say, “If God is for us, who can be against us.” (v.31). “Who can separate us from the love of Christ?” (v.35).  Nothing!

Once again in in 1 Corinthians 1:9 we are told, “God who has called us into fellowship with his Son Jesus Christ our Lord, is faithful.”  Yes, he is always faithful to accomplish his purposes for our good and his glory. Nothing will stop him. We may be unfaithful, but he is always faithful. I have many stories that I have shared of his faithfulness to me in times of trial. He has saved me or changed me multiple times. Each time, I have become more trusting and a little bit more like him in faith. He usually does not remove the trial, but he is faithful to take us through it. That is his plan, until he returns or takes us to be with him, as we trust in him. So do not fear for he is with us and he is good.

So think of a verse or biblical story that reminds you of God’s faithfulness. There are many besides the ones I have related above. Try Psalm 23 and God’s faithfulness in the valley of the shadow of death. Comment about it.