“If we are faithless, He remains faithful, for He cannot deny Himself..” – 2 Timothy 2:13

When we find ourselves in times of trouble, as we are in these pandemic days, the faith of those who supposedly have it is challenged.  It is challenged by loss of health, job, security, trust in people and systems thought to be unshakable or unbreakable. Although we might find some temporary help through a rich relative, a health or other professional, the government, or some other means which God can use, God always desires us to look and depend upon Him. “Without faith”, as it is written, “is impossible to please God.”  God wants us to call upon Him in the day of trouble and not to look to men and governments to be saved, as the nation of Israel often did in their history.  God always instructed His people not to trust in anyone or anything but Him.

Jesus was also aware and understanding of faith struggles in times of trial, and even expects them. Jesus instructed Peter, the rock, “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift each of you like wheat. But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith will not fail. And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”

As I struggled myself in recent past days, overwhelmed by current events effecting us all, I decided to take a ride and walk into the countryside in search of renewal, and finding a rushing stream pouring over rocks, I was reminded of God’s eternal nature and His faithfulness, thinking about how the rain and the flow of water, the sunshine and the grass nearby, are completely unaffected by the pandemic.  I stood on a rock in the middle of the stream and repented of my lack of faith, and was then reminded of the Words of Christ, “not to worry about what we will eat or drink or wear” and applied that to employment, mortgage payments, groceries, healing from sickness, etc. because God knows we need all these things.  In spite of current events and conditions, I am called to still “seekfirst the kingdom  of God and its righteousness”, trusting in God for provision.  I was also reminded of God’s words through the prophet Habakkuk, to be joyful in God, despite all discouraging circumstances.

So I pray for others I know, even as I pray for myself and my own strength of heart, mind, and soul during these trying times. The truth is, God is faithful, even when we lose our faith.  Like a never ending flowing stream of water, faithfulness is part of God’s very nature. He is faithful. He cannot deny Himself.  We need to be reminded of this and remind and encourage others to put our trust in God our Rock.