Waiting on the World to ChangeSample

"The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it." 1 Thess. 5:24

The book of Joshua tells us, the people of God wandered about in the wilderness. They were afraid to go into the land of milk and honey promised to them. They were afraid of the people there, claiming them to be giants, ready to squash them like grasshoppers. Yet, Joshua spoke the words of the Lord to encourage them: “I will not leave you or forsake you. Be strong and courageous, for I am with you!” And God was. God led the whole tribe of Israel through the Jordan River on dry land, just as he had led their grandparents a generation before through the Red Sea.

Time and time again, throughout the stories of Israel in the Old Testament, God proved his faithfulness. The prophets speak, over and over again, of God’s deliverance which both pointed to God’s assistance to them then, before the birth of Christ, as well as to its fruition in Jesus’ life and ministry. Emmanuel. God with us.

Today, the prophets of the Old Testament and the writings of the New Testament remind us of God’s faithfulness and the fruition of our own future which will happen when Jesus comes again. We can believe because it has been seen – for the people of God throughout the Bible and for us as well. It happens because God is with us. Emmanuel.

God is trustworthy - He will do it!

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your faithfulness to all generations. Amidst all the challenges and uncertainties that we face, we praise You for Your lovingkindness. Thank You for the gift of the Holy Spirit, our Source and Sanctifier, by Whose power we are able to live lives pleasing to you. Thank you for your Son, Jesus, who modeled for us Your heart of sacrificial love, and what the fullness of humanity free from the grip of sin looks like. Make us more like Him, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit; One God, now and forever. Amen.

This devotional series was written by Rev. Dr. Tammie Grimm, who serves as Associate Professor of Congregational Formation at Wesley Seminary at Indiana Wesleyan University; with assistance from Rev. Dr. Brannon Hancock, Dean of the Faculty and Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Worship. With online and onsite programs to fit every student, from associate to doctoral programs, Wesley Seminary prepares Christian leaders to engage in missional ministry locally and globally. Discover the way.