By: Rita Early

“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever”

Hebrews 13:8

As I pondered, is God faithful in all circumstances? I indignantly replied, “Yes, of course He is.” But then I thought about all the times I’ve felt let down, hurt and disappointed. I thought about the bad things that happen to good people. 

The truth is… when times get tough, God doesn’t waver. “Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments.” Deuteronomy 7:9

Jesus did not stop being God when he was betrayed by Judas, arrested by the Pharisees, abandoned by Peter, and hung on a cross. It was all part of His plan, and it included being raised to life on the third day. (Mathew 16:21) 

However, knowing the details of God’s plan doesn’t always make it any easier to accept. Peter couldn’t get past Jesus being killed and suggested revising the plan. Had Jesus sliced Judas’ ear and rebuked the Pharisees it would have made more sense. And there, my dear sisters, is the heart of our dilemma. Sometimes, what God does or doesn’t do makes absolutely no sense to us. We begin to question His plan, His willingness and maybe even His faithfulness.

2 Timothy 2: 11-13 “This is a faithful saying: For if we died with him, we shall also live with him, if we endure we shall also reign with him. If we deny him he will also deny us. If we are faithless he remains faithful; he cannot deny himself.”

So, the real question isn’t whether God is faithful in all circumstances, but are we? The Bible is filled with examples of His faithfulness to a sinful people who denied and abandoned Him. Peter went from being the rock on which the church would be built (Mathew 16:18) to being a stumbling block (Mathew 16:23).

How can we be faithful? By persevering (James 1:12), continually praising God and doing good (Hebrews 13:15.) Sounds easy until we actually have to do it. Practice helps. Don’t wait for a crisis to turn to God, he’s faithful in the small stuff too.

Recently, I was at an appointment with my child and told that she might not get the needed therapy but would be added to the wait list. My whole body cringed as I did an instant replay of all the should haves, could haves and didn’t. Then I smiled and thanked the receptionist, telling her, “I’ll be praying.” And I did.   

I prayed, “Lord, I’ve done all I know to do, all I can do. You’re a good Father. Please take over. I’ll wait.” The burden shifted from my shoulders to Jesus. I breathed easier.

At four o’clock, I got a call from the receptionist. They had an opening. God was faithful when I was told no as well as yes. “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Hebrews 13:8

Thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness.