Never Ever

Deuteronomy 7:9 – Know therefore that the Lord your God is God; he is the faithful God, keeping his covenant of love to a thousand generations of those who love him and keep his commands. (NIV)

When I was growing up, my life, I expect, was very similar to that of most kids. I had lots of fun. Childhood illnesses visited themselves upon me. I didn't get a lot of the things I wanted, and sometimes, I got a lot of things I didn't want. I laughed and swam and got into trouble, which meant facing the wrath of my Dad. Discipline was never easy, and I often felt that it was more than what my deed really warranted. I especially remember one Saturday morning when my brother and I were cutting up. I can't recall just what we were doing, but I expect that we were running around the circle. In our home, the living room, dining room, and kitchen all connected in a circle. One of our never-ending joys was to chase one another round and round, usually as we were trying to grab a coveted toy or had been angered and wanted revenge. On this particular morning, Dad was busy making us pancakes. He had warned us to knock it off, but obviously his warning had fallen upon deaf ears. As we roared through the kitchen once again, Dad came after us, lickety-split with the pancake spatula. As he stretched forth his hand to whack one of us, he missed and hit the door frame. The metal utensil snapped off at the wooden handle. Boy oh boy! Were we in big trouble!

Nevertheless, amidst it all, I learned a very valuable lesson and a spiritual truth. My father was always faithful to do what he said he would do. If we had been warned about something and went ahead and did it anyway, we could count on a spanking or a grounding or a loss of allowance. Likewise, if Dad promised us an outing or a treat or a privilege, he never once let us down. He always did what he promised to do. Even now, though I am almost a senior and he is well advanced down that road, I can count on him, no matter what, to do what he says he will do. What a marvellous gift he has given to me. For if I know that I can trust my father's faithfulness in this area, how much easier it is to trust the faithfulness of God, our heavenly Father, who never sins, nor forsakes, nor holds a grudge, nor lets us down.

Perhaps some of our readers have not had the privilege I have experienced when it comes to a father who is faithful to his word. But hard though it may be, we are encouraged to stretch out and trust God, our heavenly Father, and His faithfulness. We may often fail Him, but He will never, ever fail us. He is faithful to His Word, now and forevermore. Let's try Him and see.

Prayer: Father God, thank You so much that we can count on Your faithfulness. What You say that You will do, You will do. Such truth allows us to rest in peace, no matter what may come our way in this life. In Christ's name. Amen.

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