Journeying With Christ: The Coptic Month of Kiahk of the Nativity Fastናሙና

Week 1 Theme: Preparing for the Birth of St. John the Forerunner

Day 6: The Faithful Promises of God

As we journey through the season of anticipation, we are reminded of the unwavering faithfulness of God and the trustworthiness of His Word. In today's reading from Luke 1:18-20, we encounter Zacharias, the father of St. John the Forerunner, who questioned the proclamation about the miraculous birth of his son.

Zacharias doubted Archangel Gabriel’s words, expressing his disbelief due to his advanced age and the barrenness of his wife, Elizabeth. As a consequence of his doubt, Zacharias was struck mute until the day of St. John's birth. Yet, in this account, we also witness God's unwavering faithfulness. Despite Zacharias's doubt, God remained true to His promises and fulfilled His plan.

This story serves as a powerful reminder that God's faithfulness is not dependent on our human understanding or belief. The Early Church Fathers continuously encourage us to trust in God's provision and they remind us that even when we question or doubt, God's faithfulness remains steadfast. St. Paul says in his letter to the Thessalonians, “But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one” and again in his second letter to St. Timothy, his disciple: “If we are faithless, He remains faithful; He cannot deny Himself.”

In our own lives, we may encounter situations where we struggle to understand God's plans or find it challenging to trust in His promises. We may question how He will bring about His purposes or fulfill His Word in our lives but just as God remained faithful to Zacharias, He remains faithful to us and then we will come to know His will, when we come to know His Word.

God's faithfulness is rooted in His character. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His Word assures us that He is trustworthy and true to His promises. In the midst of our doubts and uncertainties, we can find hope and security in knowing that God will never fail us.

As we journey with Christ, we are called to anchor our faith in the faithfulness of God. We may not always understand His ways or see the fulfillment of His promises immediately, but we can rest assured that His plans are perfect and His timing is impeccable.

During this season of expectation, let us strengthen our faith by meditating on the faithful promises of God. Reflect on the countless times throughout history when God has shown His faithfulness to His people. Recall His faithfulness in your own life and the lives of others, recognizing the ways He has provided, protected, and guided.

In times of doubt or uncertainty, let us turn to God's Word as our anchor. St. Paul teaches us the importance of humbling ourselves and submitting to God's authority in Hebrews 6:19, “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast.” St. Paul’s words remind us to yield our desires and plans to God's perfect will, trusting that His purposes are greater than our own.

As we surrender to God's will and trust in His faithfulness, we open ourselves to the transformative work of the Holy Spirit. Our doubts and uncertainties are replaced with a deep and abiding trust in His provision. We become participants in His redemptive plan, allowing Him to work through us and fulfill His purposes.

As we continue our journey of preparation, let us hold fast to the faithful promises of God. May we find comfort in knowing that His Word never returns void and that He will fulfill what He has spoken. Let us rest in His faithfulness, trusting that He is working all things together for our good and for His glory.