Paul writes to the faithful in Ephesus. Not only in Ephesians but throughout scripture we read about being faithful and about those who were faithful. Jesus tells us that someone who puts his hand to the plough and looks back is not worthy of the kingdom of God. Because of this we see it is important to be faithful. Walking with Jesus gives us the power we need to be faithful in failures, in difficulties and in opposition.
In failure
First of all we consider being faithful in failure.The great leader Moses, King David, apostle Peter and many other biblical characters understood failure. They also understood that a person doesn’t stop there. Their failures proved to be stepping stones to God’s grace and forgiveness. Failures stand as lessons in the school of life. The problem comes however, when there is comfort in the state of the failure, settling rather than pushing through, perceiving it as a destination rather than a gateway. We are told that Jesus is able to present us faultless to His Father in Heaven. Because of Jesus we have power to be faithful in failures.
In Difficulties
Next we look at being faithful in difficulties. Job writes that “Man is born to trouble as the sparks fly upward. Jesus tells that ” In this world you will have trouble”. The characters of the Bible endured many hardships. They however, had a vision of an eternal home and a Heavenly Father. As a result this faith kept them going during impossible circumstances. The writer to the Hebrews reminds all to “look unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith who for the joy set before him endured the cross despising the shame.” It empowers us by giving us a place to look when things get tough. Faith in God and His promises gives us power to be faithful in difficulties.
In Opposition
Finally we look at being faithful in opposition. The Bible gives us many illustrations of people who remained faithful in spite of opposition. These are characters who faced opposition physically and spiritually. Remember Gideon and Nehemiah, Peter and Paul, and Jesus. They believed in God. Because of such faith, they had the assurance that God would see them through. Jesus tells us we will face opposition. For these reasons, He also tells us He will never leave us nor forsake us. His word teaches us how to deal with opposition. God promises that His grace is sufficient. As a result we have power to be faithful in opposition.
In conclusion we know that Jesus has overcome. As we look to Him, grow up into Him, get filled up with Him, we have all that we need to be full of faith, and to endure in failures, in difficulties and in opposition. We can run the race with endurance. Above all we can be faithful.
