“Because he holds fast to me in love, I will deliver him; I will protect him, because he knows my name. When he calls to me, I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will rescue him and honour him.” Psa 91:14-15
Let me start this morning by acknowledging a touching story that illustrates the theme of loyalty to God and His faithfulness. Some of us have heard the testimony of Alan and Christine, a faithful elderly couple who have been married for many years. Despite facing numerous challenges and trials throughout their lives, they have remained steadfast in their devotion to each other and to God. As the story unfolds, we see Alan and Christine’s unwavering commitment to love and support each other through thick and thin. They lean on their faith in God to navigate difficult times, finding strength and comfort in His promises.
One day, Alan falls seriously ill and was admitted to the hospital for Cancer. Christine spends countless hours by his bedside, praying fervently for his recovery. Despite the uncertainty and fear, she clings to her faith, trusting in God’s faithfulness to sustain them.
Through a series of miraculous events, Alan’s health gradually improves, and he eventually makes a full recovery. Alan and Christine testify to God’s goodness and faithfulness throughout their ordeal, inspiring others with their unwavering trust in Him.
Alan and Christine’s story is touching, but does not fully comprehend or illustrate the power of faith and the blessings that come from remaining steadfast in our devotion to God, even in the face of adversity. God’s faithfulness and the rewards that await those who remain loyal to Him are immense.
Steadfast commitment to God brings about blessings beyond measure. Throughout Scripture, we see God’s faithfulness in safeguarding His people from harm. Just as He protected Daniel in the lions’ den and delivered the Israelite from bondage in Egypt, God promises to shield and defend those who remain loyal to Him. Loyalty to God opens the door to divine guidance and direction (Prov 3:5-6). It brings about a deep sense of peace and contentment that transcends circumstances (Isa 26:3). God will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast because they trust in Him.
2 Chronicles 16:9 (NKJV) reads: “For the eyes of the Lord run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to show Himself strong on behalf of those whose heart is loyal to Him. In this you have done foolishly; therefore from now on you shall have wars.” God’s active involvement in the lives of those who are loyal to Him, ready to demonstrate His power on their behalf, Our text challenges and comforts us, knowing God’s promise to deliver, protect, and honour those who have a deep and intimate relationship with Him. It is good to know that God never abandons His own.
Jesus declared the ultimate in Matthew 10:32–33: whoever acknowledges Him before others, He will also acknowledge before His Father in heaven. Those who remain faithful to the end will receive the crown of life and inherit the kingdom prepared for them from the foundation of the world (James 1:12; Matt 25:34).
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk