Wednesday, April 25, 2012

An Unfailing God

April 25: An Unfailing God

Today's Reading: Hebrews 13:5-6
I will never fail you. Hebrews 13:5
A BATTLESHIP had been at sea on maneuvers in heavy weather for several days. Visibility was poor because the fog was thick and patchy, so the captain of the ship remained on the bridge, keeping an eye on all activities. Shortly after dark the ship's lookout reported seeing a light in the direction of the starboard bow. "Is it steady or moving astern?" asked the captain. "Steady, captain," came the reply. After further watch the captain knew that they were on a collision course with this other ship, so he called out to the signalman, "Signal that ship: We are on a collision course. Advise you change course 20 degrees."

"To you who share my faith and are willing to be faithful unto death, remember the promise."
Armageddon, 279
The signal was sent, and immediately one was returned. "Advisable for you to change course 20 degrees," was the response. The captain quickly had another signal sent. "I am a captain. Change course 20 degrees."
Once again a response came quickly. "I am a seaman second class. You had better change course 20 degrees."
By this time the captain was furious, and he barked another signal. "I am a battleship. Change your course!"
Back came a simple message. "I am a lighthouse." Needless to say, the captain changed his course. He knew that he could bark at the lighthouse all he wanted yet never cause it to move. Some things in life are constant and unchanging. They are the beacons that guide the rest of us throughout life.

God's faithfulness is like that. It is one constant that will never change, never give way, never move. Joshua says to his people, "Deep in your hearts you know that every promise of the Lord your God has come true. Not a single one has failed!" (Joshua 23:14). That sentiment echoes throughout the universe.
"I will never fail you. I will never forsake you," God promises us (Hebrews 13:5). We can bark and complain all we want, but in the end, we are the ones who will have to adjust our course. Because lighthouses don't move.

Reflection
In what ways does Cod's faithfulness bring us confidence? Do you find comfort in knowing that he will never fail you?

Embracing Eternity: Living Each Day with a Heart Toward Heaven.

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