A basic characteristic of God’s nature is faithfulness. The Bible clearly describes God as faithful (Deut 32vs4 NIV; Hosea 11vs12). This simply implies that faithfulness is an essential part of God’s character. Therefore, you cannot separate God from faithfulness, because both are inseparable.
GOD’S FAITHFULNESS DEFINED
It is imperative, at this point, that we define our term, “faithfulness “. Faithfulness is defined as : the certainty that what has been promised or is expected will be done. Therefore, God’s faithfulness is the certainty that God will do as he has promised or is expected of Him in accordance with His word.
A BIBLICAL ILLUSTRATION
As should be expected, the bible is replete with accounts of God’s faithfulness in demonstration. However, we shall refer to just one out of several. The account of Elijah and the widow of Zarephath is a case in point. The story is set in the context of God’s judgement of drought and famine on Israel, resulting from Ahab’s and his wife’s idolatrous worship. Following a face to face encounter, during which, Prophet Elijah pronounced the above-mentioned judgement on Ahab’s kingdom, God directed Elijah to hide by the Brook Cherith(1Ki 17.2-16). He was to drink from the brook and be fed by ravens, who brought him bread and meat in the morning and evening. However, with the passage of time, the brook dried up for lack of rainfall.
One may, at this point, wonder if God could not have kept the brook from drying up, in spite of the drought, since He had instructed Elijah to drink from it. God could, if He had wanted to, but He didn’t. God’s ways are not man’s ways(Isa 55:8,9). In this instance, He had other plans, which included a widow, whose condition, God wanted to change. Therefore, He instructed Elijah to, “arise and go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon, and dwell there”(vs9). God’s reason for the change in location for Elijah is clearly stated in the same verse, in the following words, “See I have commanded a widow there to provide for you”.
Elijah obeyed God’s word and went to Zarephath. At the gate of the city, he met a widow who was gathering sticks. He called out to her to kindly get him some water in a cup to drink. She obliged, but while on her way, Elijah further requested for some bread. At this, she solemnly explained her dire condition to him. She was gathering the sticks to prepare the last meal she and her son would eat before they died. It was then that Elijah proclaimed God’s promises of provision, sustenance and care for her, conditioned, however, on obedience. She was required not to fear, to make a small cake from the little she had, first for Elijah and only then, for herself and her son(vs13).
The widow did as commanded, and in turn, God ensured that she, Elijah and her household ate for many days, because, in keeping with His word, “The bin of flour was not used up, nor did the jar of oil run dry”(vs16).
The foregoing has been carefully related to provide a Biblical basis for the analysis of God’s faithfulness as well as man’s privilege to rest secure on it.
THE NATURE OF GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
God’s faithfulness is unchanging and enduring, as we can learn from the account above. What this means is that God’s faithfulness is a constant(Psa89vs2;100vs5 NIV ). This quality of God’s faithfulness is what precludes the need to wonder if God will be true to His word under certain circumstances. Though the brook to which God had sent Elijah for sustenance had dried up, indicating a change in conditions, God’s provision for him continued through another channel. The change in the situation of the brook, did not alter the faithfulness of God. God will always be true to His faithful nature, whether on the mountain or in the valley(1Ki 20.23).
Secondly, God’s faithfulness is perfect and wholistic(Isa 25.1NIV). No one can improve on the faithfulness of God. Similarly, God’s faithfulness covers every aspect of human life. God planned every important detail of man’s existence. Nothing was left to chance(Jer 29.11NIV).
This is because God cares for every part of the human makeup: spirit, soul and body(1Th 5.23,24), and in His omniscience, has taken into account all that mankind, generally and individually will need for successful living on earth. Faithfulness as a virtue, is a great asset to a man or woman who possesses it, as well as to whatever segment of society he or she interacts with at any point in time. However, human faithfulness, as commendable as it is, suffers from the limitations of time, space and the vagaries of life. The point is that human beings are both fallen and fallible creatures and therefore incapable of perfect faithfulness. The best of men is still a man, and as such subject to the possibility of improving over time. In other words, human beings can get better at being faithful, but not God. God is already as faithful as He can be, no more no less.
Finally, mankind’s unbelief cannot nullify God’s faithfulness(Rom 3.3). This means that God will remain faithful, whether we believe Him or not. God will always be true to His character, therefore, no man’s lack of faith can make void His integrity. Even if the widow of Zarephath had refused to believe and obey God’s word, that would not have nullified the authenticity and efficacy of the promise. However, she would have suffered a great loss. No person, thing or situation can prove God a liar. Indeed, it is as Romans 3.4 says, “…let God be true and every man a liar…”
KEYS TO RESTING ON GOD’S FAITHFULNESS
The first key to resting on the faithfulness of God, as the widow of Zarephath found out, is to resist fear, steadfastly. That was why the first thing Elijah said to her, after she had narrated her plight, was,”Do not fear…”. Elijah knew fear was capable of hindering her from receiving the provision God had faithfully and graciously made available for her. Fear is Satan’s age-old weapon against humanity. He deployed it against Eve in garden of Eden(Gen 3.1). He attempted unsuccessfully to use it to derail Jesus(Matt 4.1-10). You and I are no exception to this tactic of the devil. Therefore resist him, steadfast in the faith(1peter 5.8,9).
Secondly, to rest on God’s faithfulness requires that you acknowledge, appreciate and use what you have at the moment, first in service to God and only then in service to mankind. God will not play second fiddle to anyone or anything. This is indicated by Elijah’s next instruction to the widow, namely:”…make me a small cake from it first. …”(1Ki 17.13). The widow was to honour God first and foremost with what she already had,no matter how seemingly insignificant it was. God does not instruct us to give Him first out of what we have because He is in need, but because we are in need and only He can supply us adequately and satisfactorily(Phil 4.19). Remember, Elijah was doing fine before God decided that he should relocate to Zarephath for the sake of the widow in question. Hence, never pass up an opportunity to honour God with your resources first. However, this is possible only if you have yielded yourself to Him, as the Corinthians Christians had done(2cor 8.5).
Finally, you rest on God’s faithfulness by faithfully using what is left of what you have, in service to yourself in particular, and humanity in general, while expectantly waiting for God to make good His word. We see this principle indicated in the following words:”…and afterwards make some for YOURSELF and SON”.(1Ki 17.13). It is usually in the course of the demonstration of trust in God’s word, that His faithfulness is seen in manifestation. The widow’s experience when she followed the instruction quoted above, proves this point. Your individual needs are just as important to God as the needs of the human race generally. Therefore do not feel guilty about what God blesses you with, just ensure that you remember to love your neighbour as yourself. Then, joyfully, you will find that God fits the definition of faithfulness in its highest and most excellent sense. Shallom.
Great content! Super high-quality! Keep it up! 🙂
Thanks and remain blessed.
Am really touched by your teaching sir, thank you.
You are welcome, to God be the glory, remain blessed.
I’m not sure where you’re getting your information, but great topic.