Hold Fast . . . He is Faithful

“I’ll miss you so much!” This was the only part of the conversation I overheard as our twin daughters discussed Jenna’s upcoming move to Arizona Christian University in Phoenix.

This will be a HUGE change for the two of them and “change” is NOT their favorite. When they were younger, every schedule change, no matter how small, needed to be discussed and explained ahead of time to avoid the inevitable anxiety that resulted with “surprises.”

While growing up in the constant transition of military life, with new schools, teachers, audiologists and speech therapists every few years, the one constant was that they had each other. And even though they’ve grown in their ability to adapt to new and different situations … “change” remains a 6-letter word they’d rather avoid.

But change is inevitable, so here we go … a laundry list of preparations has been completed in order to ensure a smooth transition: disability paperwork sent, housing secured, classes registered, and food services notified about special dietary needs.

That list was easy! But there’s another list that fills my mother’s heart with anxiety … what about her emotional needs … what about her physical needs … what if …

The “what about” list seems to be endless …

The day I overheard part of my girls’ conversation, I found a powerful example of God’s faithfulness in Genesis 24.

Abraham, arranging a marriage for his son Isaac, made his servant promise that he would travel 450 miles to find his son a wife from the land of their relatives.

As this servant traveled across the country to a group of people he’d never met, can you imagine the list of “what abouts” and “what ifs” that were swirling through his mind?

What if these people think I’m crazy? What if I make a terrible choice? What if she doesn’t want to travel all the way back to Isaac’s home? What about her family?

Knowing full well that his only chance of success lay in divine guidance, he stopped at the well outside of town and prayed for the Lord to grant him success. He prayed that God would give him a sign. He would ask each of the young ladies who came to the well to give him a drink. The one who said yes and offered to water his camels too, then … “let her be the one you have selected as Isaac’s wife. This is how I will know that you have shown unfailing love to my master.” (Genesis 24:14)

“Before he had finished praying, he saw a young woman named Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder.” (Genesis 24:15)

Don’t you love the fact that even before he finished praying … God’s answer, His perfect provision … arrived on the scene … completely unaware that her whole life was about to … change. (Perhaps she wasn’t as apprehensive about change as some others I know.)

As the impact of this story washed over my soul, God opened my heart to a deeper understanding of His unfailing and unchanging faithfulness. I’m reminded of words from Hebrews that remind me how to live courageously in the “what ifs” of life.

“Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for He who promised is faithful.” (Hebrews 10:23)

I wonder how many of us today are carrying a laundry list of “what ifs” and “what abouts”. Or maybe, like so many I know, you’re walking through a time of heartache and loss, wondering how you will make it to the other side.

Aren’t you grateful that we are loved by a faithful, unchanging, eternal Lord and Savior who always has our best interests at heart and who promises that He will never leave us or forsake us?

Thank You, Lord, that in Your faithfulness You have already gone before us into every situation and can’t wait to open Your hands and reveal Your extravagant provisions. May we hold unswervingly and courageously to every promise in Your Word.