Faithfulness not Perfection

Like many around the world, I watched snippets of Queen Elizabeth's 70th Platinum Jubilee celebration over the weekend.  Whether you agree with the monarchy or not.  Whether you agree with the celebration or not.  Whether you even like Queen Elizabeth or not.  In spite of any of these, you have to agree that she has been faithful to the task she was given.

Through difficult times, disappointments, embarrassments - even through personal mistakes - she has "kept calm and carried on."

She has read through those papers in the famous red box every day.  She has encouraged the nation in hard times.  She has kept true to the vow she took 70 years ago.  She has never given up.  She has been faithful.

I don't agree with everything she has done, but I do truly admire her faithfulness.  I can relate to going through hard times, disappointments, and personal mistakes.  And I want to be faithful.  I want to hear the Lord say to me "well done good and faithful servant."  (Matthew 25:21,23)

Faithfulness comes from a place of trusting God no matter what.  It means we won't doubt when hard things come our way.  It means we will hold tight to God's hand with every trial and disappointment that we face.  It means we trust His word even when something seems impossible.  It means we trust Him when prayers aren't answered the way we wanted or thought they should be.  Faithfulness can be challenging, but it's what God asks of us.

John Chau was martyred in his attempt to reach the inhabitants of North Sentinel Island in 2018.  Shortly before he died he wrote in his journal that he was scared.  He didn't want to possibly die.  But he felt God had called him to this group of people.  He had prepared for years to go to their island.  He said he wanted to obey what God had given him to do.  I believe he was faithful - faithful unto death.  He laid down his life for the Gospel like many before him down through the ages.

Whatever it is that God has called us to do, all He asks from us is to be faithful.  He doesn't ask for perfection.  He doesn't even ask for success.  He asks for us to be faithful to Him and to His calling in our lives.  I'm trying to do that day by day!

"It is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful."  1 Corinthians 4:2

"A faithful man will abound with blessings."  Proverbs 28:20

"The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness..."  Galatians 5:22

Some days in my weakness I feel like I'm not accomplishing anything.  It's frustrating.  But then God patiently reminds me that all He requires of me is daily faithfulness to what He gives me to do.  It's one thing at a time in obedience to Him. That's the faithfulness He asks of us. 

This week has been unusual and somewhat difficult.  Due to some complicated water leaks in our area, we've been without water for 4 days.  I have never been so grateful for the privilege of turning on a tap and having water!  I take it for granted.  I realize many in our world live without running water all the time.  Our situation has prompted me to pray for them - and also to have fresh gratitude for running water!

I've also been rather sick.  And in a different vein, I've been dialoguing with a friend about a difficult decision she's facing.  It's complicated.  There is no simple yes or no answer.  We've been asking God for understanding, clarity, and direction.

In dealing with these things, I've been renewed in my thankfulness to the Lord -  that He gives grace to help with unexpected, difficult, and frustrating things; that He gives wisdom in making decisions about health and life; and that He guides us when we don't know what to do.  I would be so lost on my own.  I'm so grateful that God is with me day-by-day and helping me.  He has answers for each situation before I even ask.  He is so faithful!

If I'm not careful, I can take God's help and faithfulness for granted just like I take running water for granted. I have been reminded to be so grateful for both this week!

"How priceless is your unfailing love!  Both high and low among men find refuge in the shadow of your wings."  Psalm 36:7 

"The Lord is my strength and my shield; my heart trusts in Him, and I am helped."  Psalm 28:7

"We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are."  Hebrews 4:15

"I will lift up my eyes to the hills - from whence comes my help?  My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth."  Psalm 121:1,2

I praise and thank the Lord for His daily grace and help!