Faithful

God is faithful.  He keeps His promises. He never changes.  Psalm 36 declares "Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds."  And Psalm 89 begins with "I will sing of the mercies of the Lord forever; with my mouth will I make known Your faithfulness to all generations."  Jesus elaborates on the absolute surety of God's Word and His faithfulness to carry it out.  "Heaven and earth will pass away, but My word will by no means pass away."  In the wisdom of Solomon, "Not one word has failed of all His good promises."  

This assurance is particularly good to know when we are overwhelmed with problems.  1 Corinthians 10:13 reminds us, "No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it."  Notice how God is faithful is the rock to stand on during trials and the promise that you will overcome it.  His faithfulness is a very real help in practical daily troubles.       

The purpose of life is to be conformed to the image of Jesus Christ (Romans 8:29).   By identifying with Jesus' death and resurrection we receive the gift of a new nature, and then as the Holy Spirit transforms our mind with the Word of God, we change from glory to glory.  As a man thinks, so is he.  God is faithful to lead us into all truth, and in His presence, we are changed.  

However, part of this process is our participation and obedience.  Notice the admonition in 1 Corinthians 4:1-2,  "Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God.  Moreover, it is required in stewards that one be found faithful."  God commands us to be faithful to the Lord Jesus and in our obedience to His Word.    

Clearly, God calls us to be faithful,  Jesus asked, "Who then is the faithful and wise servant whom His master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season?"  He also instructed us to be faithful in little so He could entrust us with the much.  And His final welcome into glory will be, "Well done, good and faithful servant."  

The good news is that we don't have to do this by our own effort.  Jesus promised not to leave us orphans, but that He would send the Holy Spirit.  The Spirit helps us in our weakness, make us His witnesses, and guides us in the way we should go.  His life-giving power transforms our minds, hearts, and will to delight to do His will.  In short, the Spirit helps us to be faithful.  He who calls you is faithful, and He will do it.