God''s Faithfulness

 

Faithfulness

Understand, therefore, that the LORD your God is indeed God. He is the faithful God who keeps his covenant for a thousand generations and lavishes his unfailing love on those who love him and obey his commands. (Deuteronomy 7:9)

Let’s face it. Life isn’t easy. It has its ups and downs. Judah and his brothers sold Joseph to a band of Ishmaelite traders who were heading for Egypt with a load of gum, balm and aromatic resin. Joseph is purchased by Potiphar, captain of Pharaoh’s guard: he was a highly trusted government official.

The Hebrew word used for officer indicates that Potiphar may have been a eunuch. The Lord blessed Potiphar and his household because of Joseph. His household affairs ran smoothly, and his crops and livestock flourished. Even in Joseph’s slavery, the Lord was with Him. We know that Joseph walked with God and was faithful to God. He did not stray from that Love.

He refused the advances of Potiphar’s wife and was thrown in prison and forgotten. But God did not forget. God’s faithfulness was clear. God consistently and reliably works through the circumstances of His people to bring about His plans of salvation.

Joseph is eventually released from prison and given a place of honour and trust in Pharaoh’s administration, and it is this position that enables him to preserve his family during the famine. When everything seems to be working against Joseph, God turns things around. He is faithful to His word, carrying out His covenant promises.

Joseph does not fail in his trust of the Lord. He stands out as a beacon for God’s grace and mercy even in the face of darkest adversity. God acknowledged, honoured and blessed Joseph’s faith.

The story of Joseph tells us that even when things are dire, we can rely on the faithfulness of God. It is part of God’s nature. It is one of the fruits of the Spirit, part of the deal of putting our faith in the God who Lives and Loves through Jesus Christ.

Revelation 2:10 tells us that if we are faithful unto death, then we receive the crown of life. The best thing we can hear are the words: Well done, good and faithful servant. We have run the course, taking courage from the Lord Himself.

Life might be upside down, full of sadness, or success, but this is not the end of the story. Take heart in that. God is Faithful.