God is Faithful

God is faithful

You may be asking why I changed my plan. Do you think I make my plans carelessly? Do you think I am like people of the world who say “Yes” when they really mean “No”? As surely as God is faithful, our word to you does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” For Jesus Christ, the Son of God, does not waver between “Yes” and “No.” He is the one whom Silas Timothy, and I preached to you, and as God’s ultimate “Yes,” he always does what he says. For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for his glory. 2 Corinthians 1:17-20

There are circumstances that emotionally cripple one person but strengthen the determination of another. We all face obstacles that God will use to develop a deeper spiritual life. Yet for some, such circumstances will just maintain the status quo while others greatly succeed. Remember that your desire is to attain an intimacy with God. Such intimacy grows in to godliness. You will find that your mind needs to grow and experience total dependence on God in order to absorb these concepts. This is what Paul argues from the text. It is God alone that you will find faithful. Such realization is foreign, very unnatural to our finite mind. The natural tendency is to satisfy physical wants, yes there are legitimate ones and at times could not be disregarded, yet, they become primary motivation in virtually every area of life. This is all the more spiritual disciplines should be exercised. Like any change in behavior, practice of spiritual disciplines must be wrestled with, come to terms with, and tried on. As time passes, and by the grace of God, a few of them will begin to become a regular part of your daily living. You will discover, looking back over a few months, that you have changed. The disciplines have given you the ability to choose your destination: intimacy with God that results to godliness. Godliness is a journey, not a destination and will culminate in the time that Christ will come. While in this, realize that joy is part of the journey because Christ is living in you and walking with you. “Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4). You have to plan on a lifetime of travel. While you’re at it, learn to enjoy the ride, in spite of the inevitable wrong turns and sometimes slow but careful progress. The satisfaction and peace you gain will far outweigh any inconvenience.

Blessings.