Simple Faith by Pete BriscoeSample

An Eye Toward Faithfulness

As I look back over fifty years of ministry, I recall innumerable tests, trials, and times of crushing pain. But through it all, the Lord has proven faithful, loving, and totally true to all His promises. —David Wilkerson, The Cross and the Switchblade

I use to dread the fact that I’d be asked to say something at my father's memorial service. I’m a blubbering idiot in most scenarios, so I couldn't imagine what would come out of my mouth. Hopefully, it sounded something like this, “My dad was faithful to his wife—and faithful to his calling."

The word “faithful” in that context means you’ve kept your promises and followed through on what you said you’d do. But that’s not the only use of the word “faithful” we need to understand.

Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, to God’s people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters in Christ: Grace and peace to you from God our Father. (Colossians 1:1)

The simplicity here is wonderful. Paul uses his introduction to give them the most encouraging compliment one can give: Calling them faithful. How are they faithful? Because they simply believed and trusted in God.

We don’t always get it perfectly right. But the pattern of our lives should show evidence of faithfulness to God more often than not. We believe in Him, trust in Him, and put all our hope in Him. At the end of our lives, no other eulogy would be necessary than being remembered for putting our hope in Christ.

Lord, I want to be Your faithful servant. I want to be known as devoted to You above all. You are faithful. Empower me to be faithful to You, for it is my heart’s desire. Amen.