by Jerry Senn
“God is our refuge and strength, a helper who is always found in time of trouble. Therefore, I will not be afraid though the earth trembles and mountains topple into the sea” (Psalm 46:1, 2).
God means what he says and does what he promises. The Creator God is sovereign and faithful to those who place their trust in him. He is perfectly reliable and trustworthy in every respect, all the time!
All human institutions, no matter how wise and powerful as they may seem, will ultimately fail in their best efforts to bless and heal. This is true because every man or woman on earth is frail and flawed.
However, does this mean God will always come through for us the way we want him to? Does he come in like the cavalries did in the western movie, just in time, when the Indians are taking control of the fort?
At first it might sound like a contradiction to say God is faithful to his Word, but then add that he does not always do as we ask. This is no contradiction! If God says he will do something, he does it. But when we request something, he answers in the way that is best for us, even when his answer is not the answer we desired.
Paul wrote, “I can do all things through Christ which strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). This does not mean that just because we ask God for something we sincerely think is urgent, that it will automatically be ours. No, but he gives the strength to face up to those moments and times when life is not what we want it to be.
God also gives us the strength to take the bad moments and turn them into better situations. With Christ, we can do all things, and with Christ, all things are possible! But sometimes things are not as we wish them to be. God often has a higher purpose, known only to himself. We must pray, as Jesus did, “your will be done.”
In fact, we are blessed that he does not answer some of our foolish and inadvertent requests. This is where trusting his faithfulness comes in. His power and constant love work for us in all circumstances. Let’s praise him because of his faithfulness.
“Trust in the Lord with all
Your heart, and do not rely on
Your own understanding;
In all your ways know him,
And he will make your paths straight.”
— Proverbs 3:5-6