My spiritual father once told us how one of his siblings visited him at their base. When she saw all that was happening around him and the ministry, she remarked; “You have really done well for yourself.” My spiritual father replied; “No. Actually, God has been faithful.” He has learned to recognise God’s faithfulness.
Friend, you must learn to recognise God’s faithfulness in your life, family, and endeavours (Lamentations 3:22-23). As powerful as faith is, it cannot work without God’s faithfulness. Actually, our faith should be in God’s faithfulness, not in our efforts, prayer, or spirituality (Psalm 33:18). The moment you start to think that what you are or have is by your effort, you begin to go down.
You need to remind yourself that some people are more prayerful and hardworking than you. Yet, they don’t have the kind of result or testimony that you have (Ecclesiastes 9:11-12). Indeed, the race is not to the swift nor the battle to the strong. Recognising God’s faithfulness is something you have to be conscious of daily. You need to train yourself to do this (Psalm 103:2).
Human beings may want to praise you. But you must learn to return the praise and glory to God who alone does wonders (Psalm 136:4). Don’t let people sing your praise until your crown is removed. It is God’s mercy and faithfulness that give and sustain the crown of glory on our heads. If you don’t learn to recognise God’s faithfulness, you will soon lose your crown and head (Job 19:9).
God’s faithfulness is constant even when our faith waivers (2 Timothy 2:13). This is why you need to put your trust in His faithfulness. There are times that your faith is not strong enough for the miracle or result you are expecting. You need to lean on God’s faithfulness. In the final analysis, none of us is good enough to merit all that we have. It is by God’s mercy (Romans 9:15-16).
You cannot do for yourself better than God will do for you (Ephesians 3:20).( This is why the best decision you can ever make is to thrust and trust your life to Him. No matter how big your plans are. No matter how diligent or serious you are. No matter how prayerful you are. *God will do for you what you cannot do for yourself. Learn to follow God and lean on His faithfulness (Proverbs 3:5-6).
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria