In September, our prayer group will be celebrating its 25th year anniversary as a Servant Community. This year, Boy and I also celebrated our 38th year wedding anniversary. Although I know that years are not always a true measure of the love involved in relationships, time is still a measurable factor. A couple who celebrates their golden anniversary has reason to rejoice.
Oswald Chambers said that God has not called us to success but to faithfulness. I have not always been successful in being loving and kind in my prayer group; neither have I always been forgiving nor merciful to my hubby. Fact is, about 14 years into our marriage, I wanted out. There were many trials and temptations. But thank God for His grace and protection. His faithfulness over us transformed our hearts and we began to see our marriage in a different light.
Contributing my best to the growth and sustenance of these relationships (my marriage and ministry) is made possible only through Divine Grace and my wilful choice to remain faithful.
Every Friday, amidst the annoying blocks and opposition of the enemy, the struggle to even turn up at every prayer meeting needs my petition to God to keep me faithful. I need to wage war against the adversary and my worldly self.
Every day, when an argument with hubby arises about who will wash the dishes and who will tend to the mundane tasks of everyday living, there is always that spiritual prompt to be forgiving, kind, gentle and compassionate, to work in partnership and respect. It has not always been easy, especially when both of us are exhausted and overwhelmed.
Faithfulness is like building muscles for good health. It does not come overnight. Perseverance, endurance, sacrifice, overcoming discomfort and pain, pushing against internal and external resistance is all part of building the quiet virtue of faithfulness. It is shaping the faith of those who have put their trust in you. Most importantly for me, it is my response to a never-changing God, always reflecting: “Many a man proclaims his own steadfast love, but a faithful man who can find?” Proverbs 20:6.
Faithfulness cannot always be measured by visible results, only by the enduring weight it displays. Faithfulness can be boring and uninspiring; often, it deals with routine and repetition. In a world that desires and seeks novelty, faithfulness inspires trustworthiness, honesty, credibility, constancy, and fidelity – all delightful virtues to emulate.
Faithfulness does not always receive accolades and shout-outs, but it draws encouragement to those who need a solid foundation. Faithfulness, unlike success, does not get the glitter of the press, but it attracts the attention of God.
One definition of faithfulness is that of being loyal, constant and steadfast. The Bible is loaded with examples of faithfulness throughout its pages – Noah, Abraham, Joshua, Elijah, David, Daniel, the Apostles, Paul, Timothy, and of course, the supreme model is our Lord Jesus as He mirrors His Father’s great faithfulness over all His creation. Faithful people of the Bible have a track record of obedience to God. As a fruit of the Holy Spirit, it is empowered by God. We have to pray for it, use it, perfect it, impart it and rejoice in it. When we reflect on God’s faithfulness, we begin to see how He always works for the good of those who trust in Him.
Faithfulness is hard work. As Joyce Meyer said: “Faithfulness is not doing something right once but doing something right over and over and over and over.”
As I was writing this article, and there was not much inspiration coming along, and a “pass” to The Philippines Times was more of a possibility, I asked the Lord to help me.
I really wanted to testify to this fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), but I was not sure of its timeliness; then, the song “Great is Thy Faithfulness” popped into my YouTube screen. Coincidence? Or is God reminding me of His closeness?
Great is thy faithfulness, O God my father
There is no shadow of turning with Thee
Thou changest not, Thy compassions, they fail not
As Thou hast been, Thou for ever will be
Morning by morning new mercies I see
All I have needed thy hand hath provided
Summer and winter, and springtime and harvest
Join with all nature in manifold witness
To thy great faithfulness, mercy and love
Pardon for sin and a peace that endureth
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside
-shortened version: Songwriters: William M. Runyan, Thomas O Chisholm, Eric Allyn Schrotenboer
(For comments or feedback, email evamarie09@bigpond.com.)
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