Because God is Faithful

It’s easy to say God is faithful when life is going well; when those you love are safe and healthy, and peace surrounds your every step. But what about the times when we can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel; when life is so severe that even the word “hope” sounds offensive? Is God faithful then? Is He still good? Is He even here? 

Terry and Carolyn Culbertson lived life to the fullest. They became missionaries with Cru, fearlessly risking all to give people trapped behind the Iron Curtain a chance to know about God’s love for them. It was a difficult assignment, yet Terry and Carolyn thrived there. And then everything changed.

Listen to Carolyn tell her story: God's interruptions

Carolyn said, “I was immersed enough in the story of what God is doing in the world that I knew what God was up to; it’s what He’s always up to. He is bringing the kingdom to life in our messed up world and in us.” She could face a painful, life-altering event because she had a perspective that came from years of walking with the Lord and watching Him prove His faithfulness time and time again. Faithfulness is unshakable loyalty and devotion to a person that will never fail regardless of the circumstances. Faithfulness never lies, and it always keeps its promises.

The author of the letter to the Hebrews puts it this way: “So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.” (NLT)

God cannot change (Malachi 3:6; Numbers 23:19; Ezekiel 24:14; James 1:17; Hebrews 13:8). He cannot lie (Numbers 23:19; Titus 1:2; Psalm 119:160). Therefore, when He makes a promise, He stands by it (Joshua 23: 14). Here are just a few of the promises God has made to those who are truly His:

• He knows you intimately (Psalm 139)

• He will give you a new heart (Ezekiel 36:26)

• You have eternal life (John 3:16)

• Nothing can separate you from God’s love (Romans 8:31-39)

• He will never leave you or abandon you (Deuteronomy 31:6)

• He will give you the strength to withstand life’s circumstances (Philippians 4:13)

• If you confess your sins, He will forgive you (1 John 1:9)

When life is at its darkest, remember the words of William Carey, “The future is as bright as the promises of God.”

Discussion Questions:

1. Carolyn quoted Paula D’Arcy when she said, “God comes to you disguised as your life.” What does that mean? 

2. Are you at a point where you can see God in the events of your life, or do the events of your life cloud your view of God? 

3. What does it look like when other people are faithful? What does it look like when you are faithful?

4. How do you know God is faithful?

5. What need can you trust Him to meet in the coming week? 

Meditate on this truth and memorize it:

Because God is faithful, I will trust Him to always to keep his promises.