Heart for the MissionSample

“Great is thy faithfulness,
Great is thy faithfulness,
Morning by morning, new mercies I see”
(Hymn: 'Great is thy faithfulness' - Thomas O. Chisholm)

The faithfulness of God can be seen all around us. The universe, in all its splendor, testifies to the faithfulness of God. Each time the sun rises, each time a tree blossoms, and each time a human life is formed, the faithfulness of God is on display.

In our finite minds, and from our often-self-centered vantage point, we tend only to consider the faithfulness of God with respect to our personal experience of it; “How is God going to show up for me today?” What we tend to forget is that He was faithful long before we were born, and He will continue to be faithful long after we have taken our final breath. The Scriptures declare it. The stories of those that have gone before us confirm it.

Not only that, but He is faithful even when we can’t see or sense a tangible outworking of His faithfulness or our prayers. His seeming lack of activity in our lives does not mean that He is no longer faithful or that He has fallen asleep on the job.

Let's be reminded, for example, of the story of Balaam and Balak found in Numbers 22-24. Balak, the king of Moab, had grown increasingly fearful as the Israelites encroached upon his territory, especially after witnessing their victories over neighboring nations. In an attempt to crush the perceived threat, Balak seeks the services of Balaam, a renowned prophet and sorcerer, to curse the Israelites. The day came when Balaam had planned to pronounce a curse. However, he was unable to do so; all he could do was pronounce blessings over the Israelites. Balaam goes on to bless the Israelites four times, and in his final pronouncement, Balaam not only blesses Israel but also delivers a prophecy concerning the coming of the Messiah, Jesus.

What an incredible thought: That as Balaam was up in the mountains attempting to curse the people, he could only declare blessings over the Israelites below, who were completely unaware of what was happening. If only they could’ve seen beyond their circumstances, they would have realized that God was fighting and advocating on their behalf.

As the people of God, let’s choose to trust in the sovereignty and faithfulness of God and join the generations of God’s people who have been singing, “Even when I can’t see it, you’re working.”

Reflection
How have you personally experienced the faithfulness of God in your life recently? Can you recall a specific moment when you realized He was at work even when you didn’t initially see it?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank you for your faithfulness through every season. Thank you for the promises in your word that you will never leave me or forsake me. Help me to fix my eyes on you and to trust in you today and every day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.