"God's Faithfulness" is never altered nor decided by our "merited perfection" or by our "poor performance"; because the inerrancy of HIS ways, the immutability of HIS character, and the infallibility of HIS word and will - have been eternally settled, and not contingent upon "human" ability, consistency or integrity.
But, we will not see HIM as HE really is - if we don't deliberately ask or pursue those promises from God's word, by confessing and claiming them "in faith"; recognizing that through Christ's finished work at Calvary, HE has made all the promises "yes and amen"! So, "Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful." (Hebrews 10:23 NKJV)
The Lord is "faithful" when we are "faithless", and even while we deeply question whether HE will fulfill or satisfy HIS promises in our lives or not! But, especially when we misspeak or arrogantly assume things based upon fear or presumption, and not faith in "God's faithfulness alone"!
'For men indeed swear by the greater, and an oath for confirmation is for them an end of all dispute. Thus God, determining to show more abundantly to the heirs of promise the immutability of His counsel, confirmed it by an oath, that by two immutable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us." (Hebrews 6:16-18 NKJV)
Somehow, we seem to believe that "everyone else qualifies, but us"! And often, that is because we make the fulfillment of HIS word about "us", and not HIS unalterable and unchanging oath through the New Covenant; coupled with our complete acceptance and acknowledgment of it!
"And we have such trust through Christ toward God. Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think of anything as being from ourselves, but our sufficiency is from God, who also made us sufficient as ministers of the new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life." (II Corinthians 3:4-6 NKJV)
A major problem amongst God's people is the prevalence of a religious mindset without a true heart commitment, so we labor to "get God to bless us" without understanding the importance of entering into HIS rest for ourselves!
"Therefore, since a promise remains of entering His rest, let us fear lest any of you seem to have come short of it. For indeed the gospel was preached to us as well as to them; but the word which they heard did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in those who heard it . For we who have believed do enter that rest, as He has said: “So I swore in My wrath, ‘They shall not enter My rest,’ ” although the works were finished from the foundation of the world." (Hebrews 4:1-3 NKJV)
If we don't decide to enter into HIS rest, by renouncing the lingering pride and "unbelief" that is vying for the affection of our hearts - we will forfeit our inheritance in Christ; which HE established from the foundation of the earth, and end up becoming suspicious and not properly discerning the Mind of the Spirit.
As an example of this, I've noticed throughout the years that when believers experience the reality of "being abased" and "being abound" without our minds properly renewed to the Word of God, we think God is nitpicking about the things we "like" to do, and is correcting us for our heart's desires; when HIS leadership in our lives is not petty-investigative work about insignificant things.
"For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister. And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end, that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises." (Hebrews 6:10-12 NKJV)
As the Lord matures HIS people, HE begins to foster balance in our lives, so that where we have misplaced priorities and fleshly (carnal) thinking; HE can pinpoint it in the fire of the circumstances and difficulties that often brings us to a greater degree of clarity in our openness to hear and grow more reliant upon HIM!
Jesus is our "Perfect Example" of what it means to be balanced without ever succumbing to self-dependence apart from the Father's explicit directions and instructions to HIM. And, because Jesus was also "moved with compassion" by being completely yielded to the Father's heart, HE NEVER:
#1 - Allowed self-centered investments to move HIM to "manipulatively sow to reap", people's allegiance or support;
#2 - Became unconscious or misdirected in HIS assignment, by being distracted by human applause or fanfare; and
#3 - Developed an arrogant attitude of entitlement about "being served".
"Do you have faith? Have it to yourself before God. Happy is he who does not condemn himself in what he approves. But he who doubts is condemned if he eats, because he does not eat from faith; for whatever is not from faith is sin." (Romans 14:22, 23 NKJV)
We've all got a long way to go in learning to walk faithfully before The Lord, but you should know that your heartfelt gratitude and humility - while you live free from condemnation and fear - by walking in the spirit; is God's gift to us all!
God answering our prayers for "stuff", should never replace the importance of the singular devotion through intentional submission and ongoing surrender that we must have to our family, faith in Christ, and freedom to live without fear of God ever NOT being faithful!
“Therefore know that the Lord your God, He is God, the faithful God who keeps covenant and mercy for a thousand generations with those who love Him and keep His commandments." (Deuteronomy 7:9 NKJV)
The Body of Christ is God's vehicle in this New Testament Reality; used to express the fullness of His presence and power in the earth. But, without "dying to self" as a priority, we will hinder the work of the Holy Spirit through us!
“I have been crucified with Christ; it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me. “I do not set aside the grace of God; for if righteousness comes through the law, then Christ died in vain.” (Galatians 2:20, 21 NKJV)
To the degree we're fully surrendered and available to the Inexhaustible Headship of Jesus Christ, will mirror the extent or magnitude in which HIS Glory will be revealed!
So, HIS faithfulness is never gauged by the vacillating faith, inconsistent giving or wavering devotion of HIS people to HIS Cause. But, it does represent the degree in which our usefulness to HIM will be made known.
Saints, "comfort and convenience" is not synonymous with "faith and grace", so the pressure God permits in our lives - must become "revelation"; as we learn to unpack the truths delivered in bundles of faith-building exercises, which should keep us growing more dependent upon HIM - during every one of life's toughest turns and darkest trials!
GOD IS FAITHFUL - even when we don't deserve it; so, don't make it about "you", at all!
Let God get the glory for being - who HE IS!
"Oh, the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and His ways past finding out! “For who has known the mind of the Lord ? Or who has become His counselor?” “Or who has first given to Him And it shall be repaid to him?” For of Him and through Him and to Him are all things, to whom be glory forever. Amen." (Romans 11:33-36 NKJV)
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