Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. Hebrews 10:23
Illustration
Timothy Stackpole was a New York Firefighter, who was severely burned in a 1998 fire. After he recovered, he returned to the force despite the advice of some friends and family and the fact that he could retire comfortably. He was a great firefighter and passionate about his work and was soon promoted to captain. Timothy was one of the firefighters that ran into the second tower to try to save some people. When he did, it collapsed and took his life. He knew his calling—to save people.
I am fascinated by couples who have been married for more than fifty years. Indeed, it takes a lot of dedication and faithfulness to remain married for so long. Human beings struggle with faithfulness. We often make promises we cannot keep despite our best intentions. But that is not the same for God. The Lord is always faithful. His faithfulness is beyond our comprehension and is unfailing.
Whatever God says, He will do. Nothing or anyone can hinder God’s faithfulness. Thus, we can stand on His promises no matter how challenging things may get. The promises of God can be found in the word of God. “There are approximately 8,810 promises in the entire Bible. In the Old Testament, there are 7,706 and in the New Testament, there are 1,104 wonderful promises. Deuteronomy 28 has 133 promises, which is more than any other chapter in the Bible. (Vance Havner- Encyclopedia of Illustrations #4612). Below are twelve of those promises.
God's presence -- "I will never leave you" (Heb. 13:5)
God's protection -- "I am your shield" (Gen. 15:1)
God's power -- "I will strengthen you" (Isa. 41:10)
God's provision -- "I will help you" (Isa. 41:10)
God's leading -- "When he has brought out all his own, he goes before them" (John 10:4)
God's purposes -- "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" (Jer. 29:11)
God's rest -- "Come to Me, all you who are burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matt. 11:28)
God's cleansing -- "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" (1 John 1:9)
God's goodness -- "No good thing will He withhold from those whose walk is blameless" (Psalm 84:11)
God's faithfulness -- "The Lord will not forsake His people for His great name's sake" (1 Sam. 12:22)
God's guidance -- "The meek will He guide" (Psalm 25:9)
God's wise plan -- "All things work together for good to those that love God" (Rom. 8:28)
Let us, therefore, trust in the Lord with all our hearts and hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. When we go through the valley of the shadow of death or face trials and tribulations, we can wait on the Lord and be of good courage because the Lord will strengthen and deliver us. When our weaknesses or burdens are overwhelming our faith, we can come boldly before His throne of grace to find mercy in our times of need.
It is because of the faithfulness of God, Jesus died on a rugged cross to redeem us from eternal condemnation. Whatever we go through we can call on the name of the Lord, and He will always be available and beneficial to those who call on Him. God is the only being we can depend on 100 percent of the time. If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot disown himself (2 Timothy 2:13)
Questions for Person Reflection
How has God been faithful to you?
How can you minister to those who do not trust in God’s faithfulness?
Prayer- Blessed Lord, I thank you for your faithfulness to me. When I am tempted or persecuted, please remind me to hold fast the confession of my hope in you without wavering. May those who are struggling to trust you in their hour of need, come to know you as the faithful God that you are.