Reflections
on God’s Past Faithfulness
3 Brothers and sisters, we cannot help but thank God for you,
which is only appropriate because your faith is growing and expanding and
because the love demonstrated by
each and every one of you is overflowing for one another. 4 So,
of course, we’ve proudly
bragged about you within circles of
God’s people at other churches near
and far because, even in the
grip of much persecution and affliction, you’ve stood firm in your faith
and have persevered. 5 Your sufferings prove that God’s
judgment is right! The result: your sufferings have made you worthy—worthy of
the kingdom of God, which is the very reason why you are suffering in the first place! 6 It
is only right that God would repay with trouble those who have troubled you 7-8 and
give relief to all of you still bandaging your wounds, as well as to all the
rest of us. On that day—when the
clouds draw back displaying His powerful heavenly messengers in a fiery
blaze, Jesus the Lord will appear from heaven dealing out perfect justice to
anyone who doesn’t know God and anyone who disobeys the good news of our Lord
Jesus. (2 Thessalonians 1:3-8,
VOICE)
**How did your Heavenly Father showed Himself faithful
to you throughout the challenges of the past year of 2018? Has God ever failed you yet?
Reflections
on God’s Future Faithfulness
6 So bow down under God’s strong hand; then
when the time comes, God will lift you up. 7 Since God cares for you, let
Him carry all your burdens and worries. 8 Most importantly, be disciplined and stay on guard. Your enemy
the devil is prowling around outside like a roaring lion, just waiting and hoping for the chance to devour
someone. 9 Resist him and be strong in your faith, knowing that your
brothers and sisters throughout the world are fellow sufferers with you. 10 After
you have suffered for a little while, the God of grace who has called you [to
His everlasting presence] through Jesus the Anointed will restore you, support
you, strengthen you, and ground you. 11 For all power belongs to God, now
and forever. Amen. (1 Peter 5:6-11, VOICE)**What are you anxious about in the future? Ask your Heavenly Father what you need to give over to Him in the new year of 2019?[i]
God is always faithful to answer. Sometimes His answer is a much desired “yes.” Sometimes His answer is a merciful “no.” Sometimes His answer is a faith-building “not yet.” And sometimes…sometimes, when an answer cannot be found, His answer is simply, “trust Me.” (Stacy L. Sanchez)
[i] Inspired by the sermon “Reflections
on God’s Faithfulness in the Past and Future”
Sunday December 30, 2018, Pastor Dave Jansen CenterPoint Gahanna Church
Gahanna, OH.
No comments:
Post a Comment