LESSONS OF FAITHFULNESS

How do you keep praying when you don't hear an answer? How do you cope when your problems won't go away . . . to the extent of your life is at stake? When I was preparing for the Bible study of Daniel, I asked myself these questions. As I was reflecting upon reading the book of Daniel, I realized that even I, as a long time Christian could not answer these questions readily.
Sometimes, there are many reasons for trials and difficulties in our lives which we cannot understand. Imagine that we are Daniel and the 3 friends, we are put in the fire and lions’ den, do we still continue in our faith and be thankful to God? It is indeed hard. Nevertheless, the book of Daniel has been a great encouragement for Christians. I was reminded that no matter how strong our faith is, it does not mean that we will never be subjected to a harsh ruler or boss. It does not mean that we will never be unjustly treated or not suffering a great loss. However, we must remain true and faithful to our God regardless of what happens.

Despite our harsh circumstances, we can trust God even when there is no visual evidence that God is at work; Being true to God no matter how difficult the pressure, threats, or punishment. We know that God can deliver us from anything, but that we must be faithful whether he does so or not.
But this resolve to trust God must be nourished daily. We get nourishment as we feed on God's Word and we pour out our hearts to Him. Our trust in God is cultivated through prayer, through listening the Word of God, and also mutual encouragement from our friends. Friends are blessings who stood by me and help to restore my confidence. Each of our friends will be strength to help us to keep trusting God, especially when we are at our wits’ end.
Let us start this lesson of trust and faithfulness from today onwards, by focusing on His Word and His voice. Let us also remember how God has been faithful to us in the past, in the present and future. He has not quit on us when we needed Him. Let us also encourage each other to continue to trust in Him, no matter how bad shape we are in now. We will preserve to serve Him to the end. One day, the Lord will congratulate us, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Mt 25:21)

"Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior" (Hab. 3:17–18).

Pr. Carol Ling
Bethel Presbyterian Church