Faithful Through It All: Trusting God's Promises, Timing, and Faithfulness

Have you ever felt abandoned by God? Perhaps you've been diligently following Him, expecting life to unfold perfectly, only to find yourself struggling to keep your head above water. In these moments, it's natural to wonder, "Shouldn't it be easier than this?"

Recently, there's been a surge of high-profile Christians openly discussing their real-life struggles – from physical ailments to family tragedies. These raw accounts remind us that faith doesn't guarantee an easy life. Even David, a hero of faith, frequently cried out to God, asking, "Where are you?"

So how do we remain faithful through it all? How do we cultivate a remarkable faith that withstands life's ups and downs?

The book of Hebrews offers us a profound glimpse into what true faith looks like. In chapter 11, we're presented with a tapestry of faith stories – some triumphant, others heart-wrenching:

"Who through faith conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and gained what was promised; who shut the mouths of lions, quenched the fury of flames, and escaped the edge of the sword..."

But the passage doesn't stop there. It continues:

"There were others who were tortured, refusing to be released so that they might gain an even better resurrection. Some faced jeers and floggings, and even chains and imprisonment."

This juxtaposition challenges our understanding of faith. It's not just about experiencing miracles and conquests; it's about remaining steadfast even when facing immense hardship.

To cultivate this kind of faith, we must first trust in God's promises. The Bible is our primary source for understanding these promises. While some may argue that the world has changed too much for these ancient words to apply, we must resist the temptation to twist Scripture to fit our preferences. Instead, we should ask God to reveal His promises for us and future generations.

Secondly, we must trust God's timing. In our fast-paced world, it's easy to grow impatient with God's pace. We want instant results, but God often works on a different timeline. Consider Abraham – he saw the fulfillment of God's promise for a son, but he never witnessed how God would bless the entire world through his descendants.

This doesn't mean we should be passive. Jesus's words remind us of an urgency – He is coming back soon. But this urgency is balanced with patience, understanding that God's plan may extend beyond our lifetime.

Remember Jim? A friend who initially seemed an unlikely candidate for a pastor's companionship. Year after year, through shared meals and Mario Kart battles, Jim's life gradually transformed. Now he lives with his wife and child, a believer in Jesus. This story reminds us that God's timing often differs from our own, but His work is no less powerful for it.

Finally, we must trust in God's faithfulness. Deuteronomy 7:9 tells us, "Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commandments."

Our faith today builds upon the foundation laid by previous generations and sets the stage for future ones. We may not always see the full picture, but our faithfulness can have a profound impact far beyond our lifetime.

This generational aspect of faith was beautifully illustrated in a recent pastors' retreat. Two pastors from different parts of the country, raised in different environments, discovered they shared an eerily similar family history tracing back centuries. This encounter highlighted how our faith journey is part of a much larger tapestry woven by God across generations.

So, what do we do in the meantime, as we wait on God's promises to unfold? Hebrews 12 offers practical advice:

1. Throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.

2. Run with perseverance the race marked out for us.

3. Fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.

This last point is crucial. When we focus on Jesus above our problems, those problems often shrink in comparison. As the old hymn beautifully puts it:

"Turn your eyes upon Jesus,

Look full in His wonderful face,

And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,

In the light of His glory and grace."

Perseverance in faith doesn't mean our lives will be free from suffering. In fact, the Apostle Paul tells us to glory in our sufferings, "because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope" (Romans 5:3-4).

This hope is not based on our abilities or circumstances, but on God's unwavering love and faithfulness. It's a hope that can sustain us through the darkest valleys and the highest peaks of our faith journey.

As we navigate life's challenges, let's remember that our current struggles are just a small part of God's grand narrative. He hasn't forgotten or abandoned us. He's right there, ready to sustain, provide, and uphold us with His mighty right hand.

The question is: Do we trust Him? Will we rely on Him? Are we willing to surrender everything to Him, not just for our comfort, but so that our faith might have a generational impact far beyond what we can see or imagine?

Let's fix our eyes on Jesus, allowing the things of earth to grow dim in the light of His glory. Let's persevere in faith, trusting that God is working not just in our lives, but through our lives to impact generations to come. May we be found faithful, no matter what life throws our way, knowing that our hope in Him will never put us to shame.