Faithful
Watching a close friend of ours with a new little youngster, she has likewise been an example to me of faithfulness. Time and time again putting him to bed, disciplining, cleaning up spills for seventh time, when the balls again get poured across the living room, when parents once again eat a cold meal, there is no glory, no immediate accolades, no recognition, but this is faithfulness.
Faithfulness is the unseen early mornings, the uncelebrated or maybe "boring" afternoons, the long evenings working or caring for an aging parent, or of preparation or studying - trusting in pursuit without sight or evidence of success.
We joke about the weather here, that it changes constantly - and often that is also true of our emotions. One comment, one class period, one co-worker, one day, one red-light in traffic, or maybe it is many sleepless nights, many hospital visits, or many hurtful words. Even the disciples while walking with Christ were afraid, confused, called out for being faithless, tired, and doubting. If they struggled, how much more so I! {Mk 4:40, 52, 9:19, Mt 17:20, Lk 17:5}
By the testimony of my friend Sarah who moved to her heavenly home this week, I am reminded of her faithfulness. She did not give up hope, but also did not waste a moment. In 7 years of battling cancer, whether in losing her hair three times or walking for over two years on crutches, spending months in the hospital or on isolation at home, Sarah exemplified courageous joy and unrelenting strength for so many who she did not even know were watching. I will not quickly forget sitting next to her my first day in ASL class, picking songs to sign together, practicing in class and back-stage, seeing her walk in with her crutches with the biggest smile, her determination to stay caught up in school, and her quickness to share with others how God was always good no matter what. This is faithfulness. Her faith in her Healer was constant, and now she is forever healed!
"Let not steadfast love and faithfulness forsake you; bind them around your neck; write them on the tablet of your heart." Proverbs 3:3
Before Christ went to the cross, He address Peter {and the disciples} saying "Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” {Lk 22:31-32} "The righteous shall live by faith." {Rom 1:17, Habakkuk 2:4} Our faith does not rest on man's wisdom, but in God's power {1 Cor 2:5} and likewise, praise the Lord that his faithfulness, does not depend upon ours. {Rom 3:3-4, 2 Tim 2:13} "What if some were unfaithful? Does their faithlessness nullify the faithfulness of God? By no means!"
Well done, good and faithful servant
"Well done, good and faithful servant. ... Enter into the joy of your master." Matt 25:21, 23