Be Faithful, Come What May
In Europe, there is a small country, The Netherlands, one filled with millions of people (over 17 million). While this small plot of land measures about forty percent in size to the territory of my home state of Kentucky, our population is calculated much smaller in number (less than 5 million). Why would the size of land and the population census matter?
In the largely populated cities in The Netherlands, there are canals, for this territory sits far below sea level. These canals (pronounced CAN’ als) streak through the city buildings, wrapping themselves alongside buildings, inviting guests to stop to admire, and providing a wonderful excursion riding on a boat as one leisurely enjoys the sights and sounds.
In the wintertime, The Netherlands does not receive as much snow as Kentucky; however, the temperature can dip low enough to freeze the canals. When they freeze thick enough, as in thick enough to hold the weight of a horse, then children and adults alike don their ice skates and enjoy the freedom found gliding across the top of the frozen water. This may be the reason the Dutch dominate the Winter Olympics in speed skating. They have practiced this sport since they were toddlers.
While these dominate their sport, still the majority remain lost and do not know Jesus as their personal Savior and Lord. In fact, much of Europe (and the world) seems locked in an “uncaring” stance.
Each summer, for the last nine years, I have found myself traveling to Europe for a holiday, to hug someone I dearly love, but not this summer. Other plans keep me away. As I reflect upon this change, I find myself mesmerized by the LORD’S presence and power, of the way He moves and changes our walk to see His better plan. Of late, I have been thinking about heaven.
- Maybe this is because I am involved in a personal Bible study concentrated on the glory of heaven.
- Maybe this is because I find myself gazing past this life to the beautiful place God has prepared for those who believe.
We read many letters recorded by God’s servant Paul in the Bible, letters given by the Holy Spirit to the apostle during the time when he was imprisoned, chained between two Roman guards. Nonetheless, Paul wrote to believers, to those living in the place where he planted churches, to Gentiles (like me), to people who needed encouragement.
Paul wrote, reminding them & us to—Be Faithful, Come What May.
“Now I want you to know, brethren,
(The Letter of Paul to the Philippians 1: 12-14 NASB)
that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel,
so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard [the governor’s palace guards]
and to everyone else,
and that most of the brethren,
trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment,
have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.”
- It is a truth—God is alive & God is still on His throne!
- It is fact—God lived and died for us & His victory is sure!
Believe & Do Not Be Shaken.
Even when God uses the strangest and most-surprising situations to spread the Gospel, we are called to—Be Faithful, Come What May.
Plans can change. Times of life may be distressing. We may not know what tomorrow will bring, but we must NEVER FORGET—GOD IS IN CONTROL!
As the redeemed followers of Jesus Christ, we are to be willing, open-handed, ready to receive the instruction from our Lord. As followers of Jesus, we are to offer ourselves as living sacrifices, obediently seeking to follow His will more and more.
However, this is a choice, one we daily make—this obedience and trust and faithfulness to the King of kings and Lord of lords.
- Like Paul, we have nothing to fear.
- Like the apostle, we are to always remember—
“For to me,
(The Letter of Paul to the Philippians 1: 21 NASB)
[and for us who believe]
to live is Christ and to die is gain.”
The apostle Matthew wrote in similar fashion, recording the words of Jesus Himself, reminding those believers listening how they were not to be afraid of losing their lives for Christ. Whether we follow His Great Commission given to all followers of Christ Jesus and find our lives taken so that we die—OR—Whether we follow His Great Commission and find our daily lives altered in such a way that we walk on paths not expected—
Jesus tells us—We Are Called to Be Faithful, Come What May!
“Therefore do not fear them,
(The Gospel According to Matthew 10: 26-28 NASB)
[do not fear mankind: what they will think or what they may do]
for there is nothing concealed that will not be revealed,
or hidden that will not be known.
What I tell you in the darkness,
speak in the light;
and what you hear whispered in your ear,
proclaim upon the housetops.
Do not fear those who kill the body but are unable to kill the soul;
but rather fear Him
[fear Almighty God]
who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell.”
So, as I involve myself in a personal Bible study concentrated on heaven, I do not believe that it comes as happenstance. No, I believe the Lord is purposeful in His timing. Furthermore, as my annual summer plans have changed and since I will not be traveling abroad for a typical holiday, I do not believe that this change is a result of chance. No, I believe the Lord is purposeful in His timing.
It is with awe that I find myself mesmerized by the LORD’S timing, power, and presence. Who am I to NOT Be Faithful, Come What May? & Who am I to say, “No, Lord”? Truly this is the ultimate oxymoron!
People are dying without Christ daily across the entire world, and Jesus reminds each of us, when He was talking with Martha after the death of her brother, Lazarus—
“Jesus said to her,
(The Gospel According to John 11: 25-26 NASB)
“I am the resurrection and the life;
he who believes in Me will live even if he dies,
and everyone who lives and believes in Me will never die.
Do you believe this?”