God Is Not
Have you ever heard a phrase that made you angry or confused only to find out that what you heard was not the complete phrase or had been taken out of context?
We are bombarded daily with half-truths and out-of-context statements and stories. What we hear tends to help shape our world view and opinion of things around us. If you heard me say, “That car is definitely a lemon…”, you might be inclined to form a rather negative opinion about said car based on what you heard me say. But what if you heard the entire phrase? “That car is definitely a lemon…colored vehicle.” Now that you hear the entire phrase, you are then free to form your own opinion on the merits of the car and its color.
Now, let me something that may make you cringe at first. Ready?
God is not faithful.
How does that make you feel? Does it rattle your cage? Make you angry? Stir you up? There are some in this world, maybe someone you know, that would agree with this statement. They believe it because they don’t understand what is going on around them.
We already know that people are unfaithful: not paying debts, not faithful being on time, not faithful in completing assignments at school or on the job, not faithful in relationships.
But, is GOD really not faithful? Take a moment to see and hear what Psalm 33:4 says,
“For the word of the LORD is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness.”
Let’s revisit the statement I made a few moments ago but THIS time, complete the thought:
God is not faithful…in a few things. God is not faithful…in most things. God is faithful in ALL that He does!
Just how is God faithful, however? Let’s investigate that for a few more moments. Let God’s Word fill your mind and heart with these promises.
God is faithful to fulfill His purpose in us. Psalm 138:7-8 says, “Though I walk in the midst of trouble, you preserve my life; you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and your right hand delivers me. The LORD will fulfill his purpose for me; your steadfast love, O LORD, endures forever. Do not forsake the work of your hands.”
You may be stuck in the middle of turmoil and may be battered by the tempest that surrounds you, but trust that God’s purpose for your life will prevail. Paul, in writing to the Philippians, reminded them of this very fact when he wrote, “And I am sure of this, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ.” (Philippians 1:6) What God begins, He finishes. In the midst of the storm, we may not be able to see the way ahead clearly. We must fight the urge to try and make sense of it and surrender ourselves to God’s grace. “Trust in the LORD with ll your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
Speaking of storms, God is a faithful refuge! There is a scene from the movie, “Christmas With the Kranks”, in which Tim Allen’s character, Luther, seeks refuge from a deluge underneath the thin canopy of a butcher shop. The rain comes down so fast and furiously that within minutes, the poor little canopy finally succumbs to the deluge and collapses, soaking the hapless Luther.
Do you ever feel like that guy? Life just keeps pouring it on and what we thought was a sturdy support from the storm collapses on us? Self Help books don’t help. The internet certainly is no refuge. Even religion doesn’t help. I have good news, however. God won’t collapse in a storm, no matter how hard it comes down! Hold on to what Psalm 48:1 states, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
God is not help that is far off. God is not the kind of help we have to call and then wait for assistance. God will never put us on hold. In fact, God is not even “around the corner.” What does that verse promise? He is present…NOW! It doesn’t promise that we will be taken out of the storm, but it does promise God’s presence and help in times of trouble.
One more thought: God is not…going to abandon us! Troubles and tribulations, although they may seem to last a lifetime, do not. They are temporary setacks for those whose hope and trust are in God.
