Piecing Together the Grand Design

Nothing that happens in our life is isolated. In God’s hands, they are all fashioned and pieced together to complete a beautiful purpose.

Just as in a jigsaw puzzle each piece by itself stands solitary, even meaningless, yet when fitted together with other parts, forms a beautiful picture; in much the same way, God’s purpose for our lives can be likened to one big, complex grand design made up of hundreds of thousands of pieces. Taking this imagination further, in a simplistic way, we could compare each piece in this glorious picture as a part of the character that God is producing in us. Every piece is formed through life’s circumstances, trials and troubles; for as Paul tells the Romans, “…tribulation brings about perseverance; and perseverance, proven character” (Rom. 5:3, 4). Peter calls it “the proof of your faith” (1Pet. 1:7). 

The pieces of God’s grand design for each individual are not like the ones we use in a jigsaw puzzle, made of wood or hardboard, but rather crafted and moulded with utmost care, fashioned as in the hands of a master craftsman (Jer. 18:6). Every single piece is made to last. They are made precious, more precious than gold when tested by fire (1Pet. 1:7). Every piece is important—each different, some a bit more difficult and demanding than others—nevertheless very important. Each piece has a place in the overall design that God is piecing together. Without it, the picture would be incomplete.

The believing heart knows that God is in control of his life’s overall picture. Such a heart is convinced that the One he trusts knows exactly where each piece goes. The man of faith recognizes that God can visualize the entire design and has known the end picture from the beginning. The soul that relies on the perfect wisdom of God knows that His Maker can never go wrong. While his external eyes looks at the power of God in all of creation; and his heart’s eye looks at the grand picture his Creator is putting together with that same power, his inner ears listens to the Master exclaim, “It is good” (Gen. 1:18, 21, 25, 31).

If a jigsaw puzzle has a castle in it, the one who holds a single piece knows that that piece is just one part and many different pieces would need to fit together to complete the castle. In much the same way, if God is working on say the character of patience, it would require many situations in our life corresponding to patience before that character is perfected. Likewise, the character of love or humility or the fruits of the Holy Spirit are other parts of God’s grand design. Last week I wrote how the life of “Christ in us” (Col. 1:27) is an integral part of the last chapter in God’s Redemption Story. With such a goal in mind it is not difficult to imagine how God works all things for our good (Rom. 8:28) so that the new man that He has made us in Christ Jesus is daily being renewed according to the image of the One who created him (Col. 3:10).

To bring about such godly character, we all know the discipline of our Father in heaven (Heb. 12:10). His wisdom demands that such a quality of holiness be formed in fire. The crude edges and wasteful nature must be burned as the master craftsman fashions carefully the delicate curves and projections of every piece in His grand design. We are all too familiar that some aspects of godly character require greater heat in the furnace of testing. Like in Daniel’s book, the furnace may be heated seven times more than it is usually heated (Dan. 3:19), yet like the three god-fearing men in that fire, we too can “be still” (Psa. 46:10) for we shall never be burned.

It would be important to remember at this point of time that God has granted to each of us the free will to choose. Should we choose to avoid the fire, our Father would not compel us. He would strive to persuade us but He will never over rule our choice. If we choose to compromise our way out of situations in our attempt to minimise the heat, we can be almost certain that we would ruin the piece that God is trying to fashion. It will not interlock in the curves and projections of the other pieces. God may have to start again and He will because of His patient, compassionate, longsuffering nature. Rejecting a piece would leave the picture incomplete. Eliminating several pieces would ruin the overall design completely. So while fashioning every piece of His grand design for our lives, may He find in our hearts the faith that knows that God will not allow us to be tested beyond our ability to bear but with the testing will provide a way of escape also, that we may be able to endure it (1Cor. 10:13).

Submission to the Master Designer, the eternal builder and architect is key to completing God’s plan for our lives. Believing that He who is on the throne, in sovereign control; who with wisdom and power ordains all things for our good (Rom. 8:28) and works within us to will and to do (Php. 2:13) will produce in us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison. 

Jesus said, “My Father is working even now and I Myself am working” (Jn. 5:17). We need to constantly seek His face for strength that like Joshua, we would be strong and very courageous. We won’t pray that God will take away the fire, but that He gives us the grace and strength to persevere with faith and patience (Heb. 6:12) as He takes us through it. Our attitude while God works in us plays a critical role. This is why the Bible repeatedly exhorts us to rejoice in the Lord always (Php. 4:4). In everything we ought to give thanks for this is God’s will for us in Christ Jesus (1Thes. 5:18). God does not take pleasure in grumblers (1Cor. 10:10).

While I have used a puzzle game as a metaphor, to be sure, God is not playing any game. What we experience is His amazing grace which He richly lavishes upon us in Christ Jesus. I say this because God does not fit pieces together mechanically. He is our Father. He is mindful of us. There is immeasurable care and concern; patience and mercy; love and compassion in all that He does for us. Jesus Christ, having gone through what we are going through sympathizes with us as our great High Priest. This is why we are exhorted to draw near boldly to His throne of grace so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Heb. 4:16). 

Furthermore, God’s purpose goes way beyond just completing the life of individuals so that we are made “pure just as He is pure” (1Jn. 3:2-4). His grand design is far more complex than we can ever imagine. It could be likened to a combination of a million jigsaw puzzles fitted together. Each saint is being fitted together into a holy temple with Christ Jesus as the cornerstone (Eph. 2:20-22). One living stone fitted perfectly with other living stones, being built up as a spiritual house for a holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ (1Pet. 2:4, 5). As we reflect on this truth we soon realize that God’s grand design is beyond “me”. My life’s picture is but one, yet an important one that fits beautifully and harmoniously in a much larger picture.

Oh the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are His judgments and unfathomable His ways. Who has known the mind of the Lord? Or who has been His councillor (Rom. 11:33, 34)? To Him be glory and honour and praise, now and forever.

Redemption Story’s Last Chapter

Like any story, the grand redemption story that God has been scripting since the foundation of the world also has a last chapter. If we look intently at what God has revealed to us in His Word—the ultimate source of all truth here on earth—it is possible to see dimly, as in a mirror, how God is scripting the end. There is no one who would be able to say precisely how everything will unfold; for now, we know in part and prophesy in part (1Cor. 13:9) but then we shall know fully (1Cor. 13:12).

The purpose of writing this piece is to encourage our hearts; for just like a runner, we too must keep our eyes on the finish line. We must run in such a way, as not without aim; and box in such a way, as not beating the air (1Cor. 9:26). When we have an eye on the goal, it always makes our pursuit purposeful. Hebrews 12:1 and 2 will then no longer be a mere verse to utter from rote. It will bring a sprightly step to the race that we run with endurance, as we lay aside every encumbrance and the sin that so easily entangles us; fixing our eyes on Jesus, the Author and Perfecter of faith. 

In a very simplistic way, I would like to point to two aspects that we shall see in the last chapter of God’s redemption story. We find both truths given in the Bible. They appear scattered, almost like hidden treasure, among great prophesies, precious promises, life-giving commandments and instructions. Yet, if we seek her as silver and search for her as for hidden treasures then we will discern the fear of the Lord and discover the knowledge of God; for it is the Lord who gives wisdom and from His mouth comes knowledge and understanding (Prov. 2:4-6).

The glory of Christ in us (Col. 1:27) is the first purpose that we find God working towards. This is a mystery that was hidden from past ages and generations but has now been manifested to His saints (Col. 1:26). We find this truth repeatedly mentioned in the New Testament. First Paul reveals his own life’s example when he writes, “I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me…” (Gal. 2:20). Later in that letter he laments, “...I am again in labour until Christ is formed in you” (Gal. 4:19). Then to the Thessalonians, “It was for this He called you through our gospel, that you may gain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ” (2Thes. 2:14). This is also why he earnestly prayed for the Ephesians, “…so that Christ would dwell in their hearts through faith” (Eph. 3:17). 

Did the Apostle not write to the Philippian Christians that he presses on towards the prize of the upward call of God (Php. 3:14) with the eager expectation that Christ will transform the body of our humble state into conformity with the body of His glory (Php. 3:21)? Is this not the very thing Christ Jesus Himself is doing in the preparation of His bride—“…that He might present to Himself the church in all her glory, having no spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that she would be holy and blameless” (Eph. 5:27)?

The forgiveness of sins through the precious blood of Jesus; redemption into the kingdom of light; made righteous by faith; separated as God’s holy possession and all the other blessings received through God’s great grace are the important initiations that ultimately culminate to the fullness of this purpose. God’s daily working everything for our good; His discipline over us; His command to live worthy of the calling we have received; walking in faith and obedience and love; are but steps that lead to this end goal. 

It is for this reason that the Apostle John writes, “Beloved, now we are children of God, and it has not appeared as yet what we will be. We know that when He appears, we will be like Him, because we will see Him just as He is. And everyone who has this hope fixed on Him purifies himself, just as He is pure” (1Jn. 3:2, 3).

There is a second part to the last chapter of God’s redemption story—a part that He has so graciously chosen to give to us as an inheritance. We know from Revelation 21:1 that God is creating a new heaven and a new earth. In that new earth is a city, the New Jerusalem where God Himself will dwell. The city has no need of the sun or of the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God has illumined it, and its lamp is the Lamb. There will be no night (Rev. 21:23, 25). There will no longer be heard in her the voice of weeping and the sound of crying. There, the wolf and the lamb will graze together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox (Isa. 65:19, 25).

The new earth would probably be like the time before the great Fall for ever since then we know that the whole creation groans and suffers the pains of childbirth until now. Creation itself was subjected to futility, not willingly, but because of Him who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself also will be set free from its slavery to corruption into the freedom of the glory of the children of God (Rom. 8:20-22). 

This new creation is the inheritance that the author of Hebrews spoke about for he wrote, “By faith Abraham lived as an alien in the land of promise, as in a foreign land, dwelling in tents with Isaac and Jacob, fellow heirs of the same promise; for he was looking for the city which has foundations, whose architect and builder is God” (Heb. 11:9, 10). It is the place our Lord Himself spoke of when He said, “In My Father’s house, there are many dwelling places” (Jn. 14:2). It is such a place that God has granted us to inherit. Before that we shall all be changed. This perishable body will be replaced with an imperishable one (1Cor. 15:52, 53; 2Cor. 5:2-4).

Someone by the name of Bob Pickle has taken the trouble to use the calculations that Ezekiel provided in Chapter 48 and what John delivered in his Revelation to give us some insight into the new earth. His conclusions were very intriguing. In his writing he submitted how the earth could be divided amongst the tribes of Israel; where the city could be and other fascinating insights. Should you be interested to read what he writes you could use this link: http://www.pickle-publishing.com/papers/ezekiels-city-circumference-of-the-earth.htm 

As a gentile, grafted into the true Vine (Rom. 11:24; Jn. 15:1, 4) who has broken the dividing wall that separated me from the promise of Abraham (Eph. 2:13-16), I rejoice at the glorious grace that God has so richly lavished upon me, and not only to me but to all who believe in His Name.

To them that overcome, our risen Lord would grant to eat of the tree of life which is in the Paradise of God (Rev. 2:7). To such He would give the crown of life and they would not be hurt by the second death (Rev. 2:10, 11). They would be given some of the hidden manna and a white stone and a new name written on it which no one knows except he who receives it (Rev. 2:17). It is important to note at this point that when God gives a name, it almost always has a task or a role associated with it. To the overcomer, Christ promises to give authority over the nations. They will also be given the morning star (Rev. 26-28). Such will be clothed in white garments (again there is great significance in this and is not something ordinary. Compare with Rev. 19:8); his name will never be erased from the book of life but rather would be uplifted before the Father—probably as a name to be recognized; just as Joseph’s or Daniel’s names were brought before the ruler (Rev. 3:5). The overcomer would be made a pillar in the temple of God and such a one would not go out from it anymore. Instead he would have the name of God and the name of the city of God and the name of the One whose name is above every other name (Rev. 3:12). There is such power granted to the one with such a promise, it just can’t be taken lightly. Finally, the overcomer will be granted to sit down with the King of kings and the Lord of lords before whom every knee shall bow, on His throne (Rev. 3:21).

Is this not a great future prepared for those who love God and believe in His Son Jesus Christ? Is it any wonder that we have been asked to live as sojourners (Heb. 11:9, 13)? Is it not the reason why our Lord Jesus in His High Priestly prayer repeatedly said, “They are not of the world, even as I am not of the world” (Jn. 17: 14, 16)? Oh that we would constantly keep seeking the things that are above, where Christ is seated (Col. 3:1, 2). 

In the Beatitudes that our Lord taught, He brought in a harmonious combination of both aspects that constitutes the last chapter in God’s redemption story. In each of the nine short yet powerful phrases that teach us how we should ‘be’, Jesus showed us how our behaviour could show “Christ in us” and added the eternal inheritance that one would receive as a consequence. Those who pursue this, our Saviour called, “blessed”.

Dr. A. W. Tozer, in his sermon, ‘Prosperous, Comfortable and Spiritually Bored’, said, “God has set eternity in our hearts and we have chosen time instead. He is trying to interest us in a glorious tomorrow and we are settling for an inglorious today. We are bogged down in local interests and have lost sight of eternal purposes. We improvise and muddle along, hoping for heaven at last but showing no eagerness to get there, correct in doctrine but weary of prayer and bored with God.”

Oh that we would pursue eternity instead of time. Oh that our eyes could be opened to see the glorious tomorrow instead of the inglorious today. I can testify that such a heart would continually have a spirit of praise and rejoicing even though we go through various trials (1Thes. 5:16; Jas. 1:2). For though in this world we will have trouble (Jn. 16:33), we recognise that these momentary, light afflictions are producing for us an eternal weight of glory far beyond all comparison, while we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen; for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal (2Cor. 4:17, 18).

May God give strength to each heart that we persevere in Him with all steadfastness and hope and patience (Col. 1:11); not growing weary but courageously clinging to Him in faith; for He Himself has promised, “in a very little while, He who is coming will come, and will not delay” (Heb. 10:37). May He who keeps us from stumbling (Jude 24) help us not to shrink back to destruction, but be as those who have faith to the preserving of the soul (Heb. 10:39). And while we live here on earth, may grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ be with us always.

The Greatest Credentials Ever

What a beautiful name it is, the name of Jesus!
In six short sentences we read the great credentials of Jesus. 
No one in heaven or earth or under the earth can claim these.

Passing through the Eye of a Needle

By nature, man is very proud. We were not created to be this way. Our fallen state has fashioned us to be self-reliant, self-dependent and self-confident. Before Adam and Eve were expelled from the garden they were not toiling so as to be independent. They lived each day in dependence on what God provided for them (Gen. 1:29, 30). I would imagine that their main focus in life was on their time with God “in the cool of the day” and fellowship with each other; all the time exploring and marvelling the works of their Creator.

As sin increased, with the exception of a few men like Enoch, Noah, Abraham and some others—men who walked with God, man depended less on their Maker and more on himself and his ability. The tower of Babel is one such classic example (Gen. 11:4). Today, man has not only inherited this fallen nature but with crafty skill, built on it. His whole life is spent on making himself self-reliant, strong in himself and better with his capabilities. It is what we call ‘being independent’. From childhood we are ingrained with this teaching. It has become the very purpose of our existence. All our efforts are directed to storing “treasures upon the earth” even though we are fully conscious that we shall not have them forever.

Throughout scripture, we can see that God’s intent and direction has always pointed to making man trust Him. God has shown this over and over again; expressing this by way of practical teachings, commands and example. Today too the Lord tries to teach us this as He ordains all things in our lives—be it at our work place, with our money and several other aspects. The miracle of manna from heaven for the entire period the Israelites were in the desert is a typical example of this teaching. God, through this practical schooling sought to show that He was caring; He could be relied on and He never fails. Despite clear instructions to only gather what they needed, there were a few ‘unbelievers’ who could not take the chance. They needed to ensure that they were covered in case God failed.

The problem with man is that we just can’t risk throwing our all in complete—and I mean complete—trust in our Maker. Despite God proving His constant faithfulness; His deep care (remember how Jesus told us that our heavenly Father cares for us more than sparrows who do not sow or reap or gather into barns; or the lilies of the field that are here today and gone tomorrow?); His indescribable love (even while we were yet sinners)—I could go on with attribute after attribute that so explicitly demonstrates how much we mean to the Most High—we are still afraid to trust Him and rely on Him and cling to Him. We believe God to be capable but we think we are more dependable.

Throughout the centuries God has been working to wean His children—those who have believed in Him and His Son, Jesus Christ—away from themselves and closer to Him. His desire is that we who have been sealed with the promise of redemption can show forth to others that the God we serve is dependable and trustworthy. 

Though I made the Lord Jesus my Saviour and Lord in 1983, it wasn’t until 2010 that I found God slowly working within me to wean me away from depending on myself and leaning more on Him. Through these past years I can testify of how faithfully He guided my steps. He first taught me to be content with what I had instead of seeking to satisfy my wants with loans and equal monthly installments. It was here that I put to practice the truth I believed. I was convinced that God knows my every need and cares for me beyond what I can imagine, so if I really need something, My Father will help me get it. I am a witness to the great grace of God; for though I was earlier steeped in loans, I saw how patiently and wisely God directed my decisions. He delivered me from it all. 

God then taught me the importance of making His will, my will. The simultaneous working to make my behaviour such that the life of Christ can be seen in me has continued parallely, slowly and steadily. The journey has been hard and slow. Yet I can witness of God’s immense patience with me. He has never given up. I am reminded of a song that says, “He took six days to make the sun, moon and stars; but He’s still working on me.”

Looking back over these past seven years I can see how this weaning has made me less and less reliant on myself and my abilities; and more and more dependent on Him. It’s not the easiest place to be in. Those who have traversed this way and have submitted to God’s leading will testify that it’s not what we naturally want. Yet the more I surrendered, the more God revealed His glory; and the more meaningful and purposeful I have found my life. 

A few days ago, I was reminded of the conversation that Jesus had with a rich, young ruler (Mt. 19:16-29). What our Lord said to that man has challenged all Christians down the ages. It is one of the hardest things I found to obey. I think we can all witness to how we have read this command of our Lord and moved on. Very, very few (only the Lord knows how many) have had the courage to take it on. Yet as I was reminded of this passage in Scripture, I was shown a deep truth that Jesus was trying to convey to us all. Consider two phrases our Saviour used. “Sell all” and “Give it to the poor”. 

The first phrase spoke of giving up on our security, our strength and our ability. It causes us to “throw ourselves completely at the mercy” of God. I deliberately emphasise this phrase because though God is reliable, caring, kind, faithful and just; we find we have nothing of our own to rely on. All that we consider as our security to get us by in life—our salary, our savings, our capabilities to earn—is rendered insufficient. Such a situation pushes us to complete dependence on God. It also forces us to be patient and enduring. Through it, God teaches us what it means to wait in trust and hope (Psa. 27:13, 14).

The second phrase focuses on our attitude to what we have. Giving rather than keeping is another act of faith and dependence on God. In our giving, God ensures that we have no lack. Through these actions we testify that the One in whom we believe in is faithful and true. I think of what Paul wrote with regard to the purpose of our jobs. He said that we should do something useful with our own hands so that we might have something to share with those in need” (Eph. 4:28). But again, this too we find difficult. For after we have met our needs and covered all our bills, we still store the rest expecting to use it when a situation arises. It’s the same principle of unbelief that those who gathered extra manna displayed. 

Then there is the aspect of being patient and willing to wait for God’s time. We are always keen on obtaining things when we want them; at our time. God has shown throughout scripture His command to remain steadfast in faith and patience. This is another act of dependence on God—being convinced that the God who cares for us is perfect in whatever He does. He knows exactly what to do and when to do it. Look at Noah or Abraham or Joseph or Moses or even our Lord Jesus. In each of these men of God, there was trust, perseverance and patience.

I have not sold my possessions but I can see how God has directed my decisions so that I have come to a place where I am almost completely weaned away from my own capability. There is hardly anything in me that I can rely on. What I have is completely insufficient compared to what I need. I have seen this kind of leading not just in me but in my wife and my children too. As individuals and as a family we find ourselves guided by the same hand with the same purpose. In ourselves we see weakness. In God we find hope and strength. For has He not said, “My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness” (2Cor. 12:9)? Our spirit now concurs with the Apostle Paul’s next statement, “Most gladly, therefore, I will rather boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may dwell in me” (2Cor. 12:9).

We have much need to be strengthened in our inner man. For it is only through His power that we can be courageous and bold to trust Him in this manner. It requires God’s working to anchor us in His love. It requires His peace to still our hearts and know that He is God. Remember what Jesus told the disciples after the rich, young ruler walked away? They too were aghast at the figure of speech that the Lord used to show how difficult it was to enter heaven when we depend on ourselves. But He stressed that it was possible for He said, “With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Mt. 19:26).  I am convinced that when we display this kind of total surrender, God is faithful to strengthen and encourage us. If this is what pleases Him, let us be committed and trusting to let Him lead us down this path. We will never have regrets. Of this our Lord made it clear when Peter said, “We have left everything to follow you! What then will there be for us” (Mt. 19:27)? Our Lord’s response was clear and emphatic. There is no safer place to be in than trusting God. 

It is significant that the Saviour should continue on this subject after responding to Peter by saying, “Many who are first will be last; and the last first” (Mt. 19:30). For He goes on by narrating a parable to bring home that it’s our attitude that matters—one of devotion and love and keenness to be doing the will of the Father (Mt. 20:1-16). The Lord Jesus’ central theme in the entire discourse, both with the rich ruler and the disciples was just “one thing”—a heart that was completely devoted to God, holding back nothing. This was the one thing the young ruler, who kept every commandment from his youth, lacked (Lk. 18:22). This is what we lack.

I am conscious that what I have written is not something that we like reading. In fact I would understand if someone gave up midway while reading this. Nevertheless I have written what God has been teaching me and what I believe will profit the Church. May God reveal His truth to our hearts. May He give us a heart that is willing to submit to that truth and may He give strength to obey. Just as it is written, “It is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure” (Php. 2:13).

Being Steadfast and Patient

The fundamental knowledge of God is essential for a strong and healthy relationship with the Most High. I say, ‘fundamental’ because there is “a knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge” (Col. 2:2, 3 NKJV). Of the latter, our lifetime and more would never be enough to comprehend that which is in the fullness of the Godhead. While describing the love of Christ, Paul tells us that while together with all the saints we might be able to comprehend the breadth and length and height and depth of Christ’s love, the Apostle still says that, “it passes knowledge” (Eph. 3:18, 19).

Yet there is a fundamental knowledge of God that serves as a vital foundation upon which our lives are built in total dependence on God. It may be hazy and dim, yet important nevertheless. Unless we are gripped by the care and concern and love that God has for us, for example, we will continue to be tossed here and there by storms of testing no matter how loud we sing and how often we pray. Such conviction, that God’s always-enduring, unfailing, inseparable and immeasurable love will never let us down, serves as a firm anchor. It roots us to a point that we can face any situation almost fearlessly. Yes, we would be tempted with anxiousness and worry but if we are truly convinced of God’s deep commitment to our lives, such temptations do not linger for long. They would come and go but we will not get submerged by it. 

Understanding that God’s eternal, perfect wisdom guides our steps into His best when we trust Him solidifies that foundation. Being fully assured that there is a favour (or what the Bible refers to as grace) that is so richly lavished upon us because of Christ Jesus; and that we are ‘chosen’ by God’s personal choosing strengthens that foundation further. I could go on to write about other glorious attributes such as God’s faithfulness and His power but that is not the intent of this writing.

The real reason for writing is to encourage us of the need to seek God’s face to continue in ‘steadfastness and patience’. On this, the Apostle Paul wrote to the Church at Colossae saying, “We have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be… strengthened with all power, according to His glorious might, for the attaining of all steadfastness and patience” (Col. 1:11). 

In life’s testing, after we have put on the full armour of God—armed with truth, righteousness, faith, the assurance of salvation, the Word and prayer—Paul says, “stand firm” (Eph. 6:14). Trying times have a way of disturbing us. We are not ostriches that hide our head in the sand, oblivious of our situation. We are fully aware of all that we have on hand. We are conscious that the problem(s) are often overwhelming and also of how extremely inadequate we are to deal with them. We cry out to God in our helplessness. We know He is our Helper and yet most often than not, the issues that besiege us still remain. God has not forgotten us, has He? He is and always will be unfailingly faithful. This is the anthem we proclaim, isn’t it? Yet why does God not answer? Like the Psalmist, do we also feel that God is silent (Psa. 28:1; 39:12; 83:1)?

It is in times like these that we need to remain steadfast. The word steadfast means to stand firm, unwavering and unfaltering. It also means to persevere and not give up. There is also need for patience. A submissive heart that waits for God knows that the One we believe in is in control. He is powerful and He is never late.

When James wrote, “Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance,” (Jas. 1:2, 3) it would appear that like a Mathematics Professor, he may have skipped a step. Paul covers that step by praying that we be strengthened by the power of God to have such endurance.

Scripture makes it clear to us that there are many afflictions that the righteous will face (Psa. 34:19). Our Lord Himself warned us that in the world we will have troubles (Jn. 16:33) but He also told us to take courage. It is this that we need to ask God to strengthen us to have—strength to be strong and very courageous (Josh. 1:9); steadfast and full of hope; patient and unwavering.

God is faithful to do His part. He needs no reminder. He never fails. As He has promised, He will deliver us from all our afflictions. As He has assured us, He has overcome the world. What He is looking for from us is a steadfast, patient trusting heart for such faith honours Him.

I am confident that no matter how fierce the storm or how severe the pressure of our circumstances, if we know whom we have believed in and cry to Him—whose eyes are on the righteous and whose ears are attentive to their cry—that we be strengthened in our inner being with power according to His glorious might to stand steadfast and patient; then we can be certain that He will give us the grace to stand firm and unshaking.

Days draw near when we could come under greater pressure than we are facing right now. We must use every opportunity ‘today’ to stand firm, steadfast, persevering and patient. Such opportunities will act as preparation for the more severe challenges ahead. May we first and foremost seek God for a greater knowledge of Him and then ask Him for power to remain firm. 

The Lord’s words still ring true: “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. For yet in a very little while, He who is coming will come and will not delay but My righteous one shall live by faith; and if he shrinks back, My soul has no pleasure in him. But we are not those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the persevering of the soul” (Heb. 13:36-39). May God find in us such a heart.