Faithfulness is day to day dependability.
It is also long term commitment.
It is both/and.
Eugene Peterson, and before him Friedrich Nietzche, used the phrase "a long obedience in the same direction." Faithfulness is certainly that, i.e. a long obedience in the same direction. But how do we hang in there when things are long, involved, hard, painful and even discouraging? How do we cultivate and grow in our day to day dependability and long term commitment to God and to others?
Moses is a great scriptural example of faithfulness. God gave him a job that he didn't even apply for! He probably wondered on many occasions if it was worth it and chances are he was ready to throw in the towel many times. There were food shortages (Numbers 11), questions about his marriage (Numbers 12), dealing with discouragement and fear (Numbers 13), death threats (Numbers 14) and even a planned mutiny by his key leaders (Numbers 16). Even so, Moses remained faithful. He identified and named his frustrations, but remained faithful. He continually looked toward God rather than himself or his situation.
INVITATION: If we are willing to be honest about many of the problems and issues in our lives, we can often see a common thread. Many life, job and relationship problems can be traced back to a lack of faithfulness. Are you willing to be honest about faithfulness - or the lack thereof - in your life? Faithfulness makes healthy growth and change possible. Can you be honest about whether you even WANT healthy growth and change? Are you ready to consider digging in for a "long obedience in the same direction" in your life with God and others? Perhaps this week it might be helpful to name some things (issues? problems? frustrations?) in the presence of Jesus Christ and ask for His help and guidance as you seek to be found faithful. Are you ready to take your eyes off of yourself, your situation and problems and put them on God?
MONDAY: Romans 8:11: The same spirit that raised Jesus from the dead lives in you. You ARE capable of a long obedience in the same direction. You ARE capable of day to day dependability and long term commitment. How might you pray for the powerful Spirit of God to manifest in your life today and this week regarding faithfulness?
TUESDAY: Matthew 25:23: Are you willing to pray and ask God to show you areas in your life where you may need to be faithful? Perhaps it's in the little things, that can lead to God opening the door to larger things. Perhaps it's in something large? How can you pray for day to day dependability and long term commitment about what God shows you from this scripture and from your prayer time?
WEDNESDAY: Hebrews 3:1-2: How do we stay faithful? This verse tells us! Pastor Adam suggested what is known as a "breath prayer." Is this a prayer that might be helpful in your faithfulness with God and others? Taking a deep breath in and a deep breath out and pray: "God, I can depend on you." Breath in: "God, I can depend..." Breath out: "on you." Ask God to help you remember this prayer today and in the days ahead. The deep breathing will help. The reminder will help. The truth will help. The Holy Spirit will help! Consider asking the Spirit of God to nudge you during times when you might particularly need to "fix your eyes" on Jesus. Then perhaps remember this breath prayer.
THURSDAY: Numbers 11:12-15: Self-pity is an enemy of faithfulness. Even though Moses was frustrated with "those people," he still went to God and didn't give up. Pastor Adam mentioned not only going to God but also consulting with trustworthy people you know to be wise. Perhaps a good friend, or a Spiritual Director or a counselor? Are you trying to carry burdens and problems alone and in your own power? Do you tend to blame "those people" in your life for your problems?
FRIDAY: Numbers 11:16-17: Self-effort is also an enemy of faithfulness. God put good people around Moses and he has put good people around you and me. To be faithful, we have to learn to lean on and to trust others, and to learn to let go of being in control. No one can "do it all." If you attempt to do it all, it will lead to fatigue, frustration and giving up. It will also lead to a lack of faithfulness to God and others. Again, is there someone you can go to and share with in order to share your burdens and not carry them alone? We are made by a communal God to be in community. Who is a part of YOUR community in whom you can trust?
SATURDAY: Numbers 14:17-19 & Deut. 32:3-4: Selfish ambition is an enemy of faithfulness. When Moses re-focused on GOD'S work and not his own, he remembered God's grace. How have you seen the greatness of our God and his works - which are "perfect and just" recently? Where has your focus been - on self or on God? Moses CHOSE to remember God's grace and faithfulness and it ultimately helped him be faithful. What choices are you making regarding your focus? How can you begin a faithful "long obedience in the same direction" moving forward?
