Soul Care - Faithful
by Mary Elsbury
My early years were spent in a small village in Ireland. Growing up, I had a border collie named Chita. Border collies are one of the smartest and most dedicated breeds in existence. They are loyal and were bred for protecting and herding. As a toddler, if I ventured too far, she would grab my clothes and drag me back closer to the house. As I grew, she was never far from my side, and I remember her once pushing me out of the way as a car came around a corner too fast. She was always watching out for me. I am thankful that we all have someone who faithfully cares for us – God.
God is faithful to work all things out for my good. Every blessing, every trial, every heartache, and every sorrow is being used by God for my good. And the good news is that He is looking out for all. God is loyal. He’s always here for us. He hears us, sees us, and unconditionally loves us. Four years ago, I had a terrible pain through my mid-section and went to the hospital where I was diagnosed with cancer. Without that pain and subsequent tests, I would never have received the care needed, and today be able to witness to God’s faithfulness in all circumstances.
There have been many seasons where I have sat back and watched as God showed up – and showed off – His faithfulness. Financial and physical needs. Spiritual and emotional needs. There is no need too small for God. He is a good Father who loves to take care of His children. Philippians 4:19 tells us “And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.” David’s Psalm 37 even says that God “...directs the steps of the godly; He delights in every detail of their lives” (verse 23, NLT, emphasis added).
I’m grateful that God is faithful to forgive my sins. Try as I might, I make mistakes and fall into sin. I am thankful God doesn’t hold grudges. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” When I sin, God doesn’t give me the cold shoulder or make me go through some sort of elaborate ritual to be forgiven. The forgiveness equation is simple: confess the sin and He will forgive. And because God is faithful, I don’t need to worry that maybe this time He won’t forgive.
As the year draws to a close, I challenge you to think about how God has been faithful to you. From big events to small things, God is working on your behalf. Some will have no problem recalling how God is faithful, trustworthy, and is always there. But some have the experience that everyone lets you down, and you’ve interpreted those situations to mean that God is not there for you. But He is. He may not come through the way you think He should, but He is always there.
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May God himself, the God of peace, sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it. 1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 NIV
