God's Faithfulness

During the COVID pandemic in 2020, many schools closed. People lost their jobs or worked from home. Close quarters, high emotions, and worries about the future created the perfect storm for cross words, blame, and anger. 

Trying times like a pandemic are not the only times storms can brew. How wisely do we relate to one another during those times? Do we withhold or give forgiveness? Do we confess when we have been wrong and attempt to make things right? First John 1:9 provides important spiritual guidance about what we are to do when we have sinned. John writes, “If we confess our sins, He [God] is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 

God is faithful and righteous. He calls us to be faithful and righteous, also. We are to confess our sins. When we do, He extends mercy and forgives us. We are then to extend mercy and forgive others. 

How can we do this? We ask Jesus to fill us and live His life through us. When we do, the storm that might have destroyed relationships becomes an opportunity for those closest to us to see Jesus – maybe for the first time or in a new way. 

Lord Jesus, thank You that You are with me in the storms of life. Thank You that You are a FORGIVING GOD. Thank You for showing me how to forgive others. Fill me. Live Your life through me so others see and believe in You.

Would you like to learn more about standing firm in God’s grace and peace in the storms of life? Get a copy of Debbie’s 1 Peter Bible Study, Experiencing Grace and Peace in Cultural Chaos, HERE. The study is perfect for personal or group study and includes free accompanying videos and podcasts, which you can access HERE. 

Would you rather God contend—plead a cause—for you or would you rather Him contend against you? If you answered that you would rather God contend “for you,” then you have reason to jump up and down for joy. Why? 

Isaiah 51:22 states, “Thus says your Lord, the LORD, even your God who contends for His people, ‘Behold, I have taken out of your hand the cup of reeling, the chalice of My anger; You will never drink it again.’” 

Did you catch Isaiah’s words? “Your God who contends for His people.” Yes, God contends for, not against us. 

A “hallelujah” with hands raised in praise is appropriate because as God has dealt with Israel, so He deals with those who place their faith in Christ. 

Lord, I thank You that You are a God who CONTENDS FOR—not against—Your people. I praise You with hands raised high. 

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