Faithful
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things unseen.
Hebrews 11:1
Things hoped for…a hand that you hold and it never lets go. An answer every time you call. Someone who will always be there in the best of times and the worst of times. A love that never leaves, that is unselfish, forgiving, ever-present, and always faithful. These are things hoped for and can sometimes be things that are unseen.
Can you wrap your mind around someone loving you enough to die for you; knowing everything about you, a love that is so strong, that it sees beyond your faults and sacrifices themselves for your need. Is there any love that you know that is so faithful? Is there any feeling so powerful that you have ever felt that can compare to that? I have searched my heart and my mind to try to find a love that I have ever understood to be so faithful and the closest I can understand is the love I have for my children. To know that the moment I knew of their existence how my life forever changed. I was faithful to the mere thought of them. My future changed. My outlook on life changed. My purpose was set and I knew that I would do anything to ensure they would have everything they could ever ask for, need or think of imaginable. At that moment, I realized the love God has for me. As I parent my children, I see how unconditional my love for them is. I recognize that regardless of what their actions may be, I would literally do anything for them. Even when my role in their life is uncomfortable to them, embarrassing at times, hard to understand, but always present. I then had a very conflicting thought/question…WARNING! Here is my moment of transparency..if I had to choose to to die and leave my children, would I choose death or would I not want to leave them because I felt they needed me?? If I had to save them, as a Mother, I wouldn't want to leave them…but God, who is all-knowing, knew His sacrifice, His son, would die on the cross, rise with all power so that I could have everlasting life. I realized that my feelings may be a tad selfish. I am not sure if I could leave them if I had a choice…but I am so human and honestly, my love is limited compared to God. He knew I would need His son, Jesus, and He was willing to make that sacrifice for me…He’s a good Father.
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” (NIV)
Acknowledgment
In relationships we have with spouses, siblings, friends, and family, we long for faithfulness. The ideal family tie is one that wesee as an unbreakable bond. Realistically, that doesn’t always happen. Distance, misunderstandings and lack of communication can cause a breakdown. Our spouses are our best friends, our lovers, our partners and our lifelong soulmates. The connection, in our eyes, is immeasurable; but we are human. Due to that fact, there are times that we are not able to be who we need to be…if we are truly honest with ourselves about it…
Think of this scenario…it is your family holiday gathering and everyone is there. All of your relatives and loved ones are together and when you arrive, you walk through the door and say nothing. You walk through the crowd of all those you know and love, and never say a word. Naturally, there will be some frowned up faces, probably a few choice words and some hurt feelings…it is a completely awkward situation. Now take the same action (walking in a room full of people and not acknowledging anyone there) but the room is full of strangers…no one notices, no one really cares. If you did acknowledge someone, depending on what part of the country you were in, you may get the same reaction of frowned up faces, a few choice words and maybe some offended people (crazy to think but everyone doesn’t smile and say “hello” when they pass. I'm from North Carolina..we say 'hey’ and smile at EVERYBODY! Haha!) So, just look at the two situations that are very similar in content but viewed differently in a sense.
How does this relate to being faithful, you ask? In both scenarios there is a disconnect and because of that disconnect there is an issue that develops. There are people you know that you don’t acknowledge and it bothers them. There are people you don’t know and you acknowledge their presence and that bothers them! With this next question, think about your life, your relationships and interactions. How many people do you know, family or strangers would continue to be close or a part of your life if you didn’t acknowledge them?? How many people would stand by you, in good times and bad, with their hand extended for you to hold, shoulder ready to lean on and there for anything you ever need regardless of you recognizing their presence in your life? How many strangers would do all of those things if you didn’t know them? Not many would…but God. Think about it…the love He has for us is amazing. To know that He is always with us, even when we don’t acknowledge Him being there, He continues to stand by us. Even when He reaches out HIs hand to hold us, carry us, comfort us, and we act as if He isn’t even in the room…but He is always there. He never leaves us, even when we don’t acknowledge His presence in our lives. That is faithful. That is love…the EVIDENCE of things unseen!
God is present for those who know and acknowledge Him as well as for those who choose to walk past Him with no words or only call when something is needed. He loves us all more than we could ever imagine. He knows our every flaw and He sent His son to die for ALL of us, We are all covered by His blood. The choice we must make is that of mere acknowledgement. When you acknowledge something or someone, it makes you pay attention. Paying attention to something is to heed it; to give care or thought to; to mind, regard, respect, to watch, to admire, obey…acknowledge. Once you acknowledge who He is, you have no choice but to recognize that He is faithful. You can search the world over and there will never be friend as dear…He will stick closer than any brother, even the best of spouses. He is there holding your hand the whole time. It is our choice to clutch His outstretched hand, allow Him to lead us or choose to try and take the lead ourselves. Regardless, He is still holding our hand.
Hebrews 11:6
But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him. (KJV)
I challenge you to acknowledge God’s presence in your life. I challenge you to show your faith, grow your faith. Create the substance of those things you hope for, by activating your faith and providing the evidence of things unseen. Seek Him…find His presence in everything you may encounter; He is there. Pay attention to the evidence of God in your life. Respect Him, regard His will, watch His ways, admire His works and obey His word. Acknowledge and please God. He is so worthy and in times of our weakness, when you aren’t able to speak or say a word to Him, know that He is always there and He loves you because He is faithful.