True to His Words

The Lord makes a covenant with Abram and changes his name to Abraham.  He promises him many descendants and that even kings will come from his family line.  To man it seems crazy and unreal.  But to the man of faith, it is not. Abram underwent a transformation from not completely believing to becoming our "Father in Faith."  The Lord reiterates and emphasizes again and again to Abraham that He will be true to His covenant and that Abraham and his descendants will be His People and He will be their God.  God never takes back His word. 

Our world today seems crazy and unsettling.  But that is because we are looking through the lens of man.  We must put on the lens of faith, the lens of a man or woman that has been transformed.  Like Abram who received a new name, we too have a new name.  No longer are we called "forsaken" or "desolate," but we are called the "beloved of the Father."  God calls us by name, the name that brings with it a promise - a promise of love, peace, and joy. When we receive the gift of faith and welcome it into our hearts, no longer are we alone for we have become God's people.  And once God's People always God's People.  God stays true to His word.

So, our world today seems uncertain and troubled, but we who are transformed by faith and the unwavering love of God know a different reality.  Things may seem confusing, uncertain, and troubling, but deep down we know that God is in control. This is neither wishing or spiritualizing away our anxieties or fears nor is it avoiding the "real world" and going to a "fantasy world."  This is living in the Truth and in freedom.  Freedom from the bonds and chains of the anxiety and fear induced by the enemy. We can smile, rejoice, and give thanks in the midst of turbulence and tempest because we know that we belong to a God who keeps His word and His word is that we are His people and He is Our God, never to change. God brings life to what is said to be sterile and barren. God brings life out of death. God brings good out of evil. We are not afraid of storms and pandemics because God walks through them with us and will bring good out of them. 

God gave to an elderly couple a child. God parted the Red Sea. God provided for a unbelieving people in the desert. God chose the weak to shame the strong.  God became man.  God raised the dead. God comes to you. God loves you, and He will walk with you.  Have faith, and know that you are loved and held because God always remains true to His word. 

Father, thank you for loving me.  Give me the humility and courage to receive this gift of faith and to see not as man see but to see as You see.  All things are in your most competent and protecting hands. Help my unbelief.    

The Raising of Lazarus by Duccio di Buoninsegna


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