God keeps his promises

Several years ago, Hallmark had a card that really represented the mood of our culture these days. It said, “I can’t promise you forever, but I can promise you today.” That’s about as deep of a commitment as some are willing to make these days. In stark contrast to that, God exhibits and honors incredible faithfulness.

Psalm 100:5 says, “For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.” Every time you see a rainbow, it is a reminder that God is faithful. He keeps his promises. Every time you pick up a Bible, remember what the Lord said in Matthew 24:35: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away.” Every time we gather for worship, remember that he said in Matthew 18:20, “For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them.” Every time you feel alone, remember his promise from Hebrews 13:5: “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” And when you stand on the brink of death, remember the words of Jesus found in John 14:2-3: “In my Father’s house are many rooms; if it were not so, I would have told you. I am going there to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”

The hymn writer said it well, “Great is Thy faithfulness, O God my Father. Morning by morning new mercies I see. All I have needed Thy hand hath provided. Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.” God is a faithful God and the Bible tells us that his faithfulness continues through all generations. If we allow God’s Spirit to work within us, then the fruit of the Spirit, including faithfulness, will be real and evident in our lives. The more we yield to his guidance, the more faithful we will become.

Faithfulness is defined as the ability to follow through with a commitment regardless of difficulty. That’s a good definition. But let me give you one that may be easier to remember: “Faithfulness is love hanging on.” It is love saying, “I will not quit. There may be misunderstandings, there may be disappointments, there may be discouragements, but I will not quit.” God has called us to be faithful.
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You can e-mail Pastor Steve Greene at sgreene@seymournaz.org.