Monday, November 16, 2020

Our Ever Faithful Redeemer

Lord Will Never Fail Us

Have you ever been lied to, let down, abandoned, or left disappointed by someone who did not keep their promises? Have you lost confidence in people, concluding that no one can be trusted and that no man or woman is faithful? You are probably not alone.  In this increasingly morally decrepit world, where deceit, divorce, and duping are rampant, even within the walls of the Church, it's easy to come to that conclusion. But, I have a word of encouragement for you: there still remains One who is just, Faithful and True (Revelation 19:11), always!

The Bible boldly declares that "...it is impossible for God to lie..." (Hebrews 6:18); God loves us and does not break His promises; He fulfills what He says (Deuteronomy 7:8: Jeremiah 40:3). Whether we are faithful or not, God always "...remains faithful..."! (2 Timothy 2:13; Romans 3:3-4). Furthermore, The Word of God affirms and declares God's faithfulness:
“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).
“God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of His Son, Jesus Christ our Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:9). 
“But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one” (2 Thessalonians 3:3).
In life, we are always looking for someone to trust. We also know that trust serves as a safeguard against risk and uncertainty. Since no human being truly knows the future, we can only “predict” the future based on past experiences, with a dose of uncertainties and inaccuracies. The ability to know the future is obviously one ability God withheld from mankind, angels, and satanic hosts. As it is, knowing the future is a God-kind of ability for He declares:
“Remember this and be brave; take it to heart, you transgressors! Remember what happened long ago, for I am God, and there is no other; I am God, and no one is like Me. I declare the end from the beginning, and from long ago what is not yet done, saying: My plan will take place, and I will do all My will. I call a bird of prey] from the east, a man for My purpose from a far country. Yes, I have spoken; so I will also bring it about. I have planned it; I will also do it” (Isaiah 46:9-11 HCSB).
We have all received a fair share of broken promises from our parents, friends, outsiders, spouses, and colleagues. This most likely led us to view what they say with caution, suspicion, and perhaps even distrust. We often suffer broken faith, humiliation, and hardheartedness as a result of those who disappointed us. We are even warned Scripturally not to put our trust in man (Jeremiah 17:5-6; ) Why? Because people are selfish and always consider their own interests first. It is better to trust in the Lord than to trust in people (Psalm 118:8).

God’s Faithfulness

We can always be comforted by the fact that the Lord Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8) and that He is faithful (1 John 1:9), and that He will be with us always – even to the end (Matthew 28:20; Hebrews 13:5). These are very precious promises and only those who put their trust in God have experienced how true He is to His promises (Hebrews 11:11).  Here are just a few instances of God's faithfulness:
  • After Adam fell and throughout the exodus, God promised deliverance (Genesis 3:15; Deuteronomy 18:15). He fulfilled this by sending His Son Jesus Christ (Matthew 1:21-23), through whom you and I have the promise of eternal life (John 3:16).
  • God promised to save Noah and his family from the flood (Genesis 6:17-18) and duly fulfilled this promise, establishing a new covenant with Noah (Genesis 9:9-17).
  • God was faithful in fulfilling His promise to Abraham (Genesis 12:2-3, 15:4-5; 17:4-8; 18:14; 22:18).
  • In spite of Job's many trials (Job 1:8-22), God was faithful to him (Job 42:12-16).
  • God was faithful to Ishmael and did not abandon him; he blessed him and his descendants (Genesis 17:18-20)
  • God kept His promise to protect and bless the children of Israel when they obeyed (Exodus 19:5-6), and He was faithful in keeping His covenant with them (Psalm 105:9-10)
  • God was faithful to Joshua and Caleb and fulfilled His promise to them (Joshua 1:1-4; Joshua 14:6-14; Numbers 14:24; Deuteronomy 1:36).
  • God kept His promise to David to establish his throne forever (2 Samuel 7:16); this is fulfilled through Jesus's eternal reign (Daniel 7:13-14; Luke 1:30-33; Acts 2:29–33; 2 Peter 1:11).
However, if we disobey the Lord, and treat Him with distrust, or charge Him with unfaithfulness in our hearts, we will not receive any of the good promises He made; instead, the fear of failure will meet us (Numbers 14:28-30). Furthermore, what leads people to fail in their faith is fear, impatience, and pressure from others (1 Samuel 13:11-12).

In our experience with the Lord, and this I will share from a strong conviction, I learned one lesson. When I waited for prophesied promises from the Lord to come to pass, I was driven by impatience, thinking that the Lord has now abandoned His promises. This led me to inquire frequently from Him and He gently reassured me that His plans concerning me have never changed and that I must just consider Him faithful (Jeremiah 29:11; Hebrews 10:23).

Brethren, not many of us may have had the opportunity of receiving a direct prophetic message from the Lord. However, this should not discourage our faith, and nor should it (in our view) diminish His faithfulness. His promises will always be in accordance with His Word, and as we grow in obedience, He lays out His plans for us in His vast Kingdom (Ephesians 4:7). We are only required to have faith, obey the teachings of the Lord, and live obediently, and His faithfulness will manifest (Luke 6:47-48).

Equally, the Lord reminded the Israelites that He was not doing things because they have done anything pleasing; He acted to display the glory of His faithfulness. This He did in accordance with His faithful promises to the patriarchs (Exodus 6:7-8; Ezekiel 36:22). The Lord declared to me that every word He utters or has uttered is a statement of intent and it must prove faithful (Jeremiah 1:12).

Testimony of God’s Faithfulness

In this ministry, the Lord told us that all things are possible if we just believe (Mark 9:23). We have no appetite for worldly things, and when we started out in this work, we had nothing except our faith and our Bibles. When the Lord assigned us to pray and witness (Please see Witnessing Part I, Witnessing Part II, and How This Ministry Started articles), we were aware that the Lord requires us to obey and use what we have to do His work. Although we needed tracts and means of transport (and we had neither of these), the work still had to be done even without these tools.

I don’t want to sound repetitive, but I would like to reiterate that The Lord only requires our availability, not what materials, money, or skills we have or don’t have. I have many friends in the Lord who have big plans for ministry work. Sadly these men are still “waiting” on the Lord; their dependence is on worldly things to do the work of God, yet all they need is faith and obedience.

Moreover, as a witness of Jesus Christ, I can truthfully testify how the Lord fulfilled promises to me personally, many of which I have shared on this website. He has not even overlooked promises He made to our children, but brought about many of the things He gave in this vision (see the Blessings from The Lord article). The Lord said the lessons He gave through this vision was to display His faithfulness and His rewards for obedience.

In conclusion, when we as a ministry and family were faced with severe tests including physical and verbal abuse from people as a result of the work we do in Christ, The Lord stepped in and saved us from our attackers. Whatever evil they plotted against us or threats they made never materialized. Therefore, my brethren, be encouraged; The Lord will take vengeance upon those who trouble you (2 Thessalonians 1:8). Hold on to Jesus Christ; He is faithfully committed to you, and your well-being. The well-being of the whole of mankind is His concern (see the promise He made through the recent vision to Muslims).

The Lord is faithful and has promised us numerous blessings for obeying Him and His Word (Deuteronomy 28:1-14), and likewise numerous dire consequences for disobedience (Deuteronomy 28:15-68). Our choice being between life and death (Romans 6:23; Deuteronomy 30:19-20); what choice do you make today? If you would like to trust in God's faithfulness and be anchored on the Solid Rock - The Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ - here is a Prayer of Sincere Repentance to get you started. For any questions or comments on this article or our ministry, please contact us.

Blessed grace in Christ’s faithfulness,

Brother Glenn.