Same
God’s faithfulness means, in part, that he is who he says he is. Even when we disagree or claim, in ignorance, that what seems contradictory to us must be untrue. The Bible teaches that God is love, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t also just. His goodness is not in conflict with his holiness, or his compassion with his truth. He simply is, and he does not change.
The God that fulfilled his promises to Abraham, Moses, and David is the same God we pray to today. Jesus, who ate with sinners and healed the sick, is the same Messiah we worship now. And the Holy Spirit who empowered the apostles is the same Spirit living in us.
In a lot of ways, God’s faithfulness is expressed when we lack it ourselves. He has promised never to forsake those who love him, and because he never changes, neither does this promise. Nothing we could ever do, say, or experience has the power to drive God away forever. No one is cast off forever, despite our wandering.
If we are faithless, he remains faithful— for he cannot deny himself.
2 Timothy 2:13
In some ways, the faithfulness of God is a culmination of all his other characteristics— it is every virtue fulfilled. Because he is truthful, because he will not abandon us or change his mind about redeeming us, we can rest in knowing that his love his always available. His patience will never run out, his mercy will never end, and his goodness will never be overturned. Our part is to trust that he is who he says he is, and always will be.
“True faith is never merely a source of spiritual comfort. It may indeed bring peace, but before it does so it must involve us in struggle.”
Thomas Merton
Is having faith as simple as making a decision?
A decision is certainly involved. There is a moment where you acknowledge something as truth, a point where commit yourself to something. It is not a matter of fact, a decision resting on rational analysis. Faith is, in part, a belief. But ‘faith’ is not solely the one-time acknowledgment of Jesus as lord. It is not a step you take to move into something else.
Neither is faith simply a feeling. It is not a hope that God exists somewhere out there, or a vague sense that all is right in the world. Feelings are fleeting, and oftentimes heavily influenced by circumstances. A faith that is subjected to constant change isn’t faith at all.
To have faith means to accept that God directs every part of the spiritual life. It’s not the absence of doubt, nor is it an unexplainable experience. It is the man crying out to Jesus, “I believe, help my unbelief!”
I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day...
— 2 Timothy 4:7-8
Sometimes it seems like the only thing the Bible has to say about faith is that it will be tested. Among God’s promises for goodness, direction, and purpose are his promises for comfort, strength, and courage during the inevitable times of grief, weakness, and fear.
During Bible times, there were very real, physical trials between a person and their relationship with God. Christians were condemned, turned out by their families, tortured or killed. This still happens in the world today, but barriers to faith in American culture in 2019 look very different. Apathy, selfishness, hesitation to be associated with particular politics, these can keep us from putting our trust in Christ. Not to mention the sharp pain and apparent betrayal of personal suffering.
In times of scarcity, God’s provision is more apparent. In times of uncertainty, God’s promise of direction is better understood. Because of his faithfulness, he will provide all these good things. And our faithfulness is in response to still trusting and believing when those provisions aren’t apparent.