Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever (Hebrews 13:8, NKJV).
Life happens, as they say. Plans made today could easily fall apart tomorrow. Someone once said that the only thing we can count on is change. That leaves us in a very precarious position, doesn’t it?
The Scriptures, however, paint a very different picture. We see a God who never changes, whose love endures forever, whose character is 100 percent dependable, and whose Word is rock solid. Hebrews 13:8 sums it up this way: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.”
I remember when, as a relatively new Christian, I first read that verse. It was painted above the altar at the church I’d started attending. Each time I read it, my heart was encouraged and my faith grew—until some things in my personal life fell apart. Then I began to question God’s faithfulness. How could such a thing happen to me? Why would a faithful Father allow it?
Thankfully I had a close friend, much more mature in the Lord than I, who reminded me that God didn’t promise we would never have difficulties or hardships or even changes in our lives. In fact, she explained, we could count on such things regularly, so long as we live on this sin-damaged earth. However, she also explained that we could choose to allow those things to damage our faith and drive a wedge between us and God—or we could choose to hand those very difficulties and heartaches and incomprehensible changes over to a loving, unchanging God who has promised to bring good even out of those things that seem so bad.
It has taken many years for me to come to the place of unshakable faith that says, “Regardless of what the world or the enemy throws at me, I know my God is good and that He never changes.” I also know that place of faith will continue to be challenged until the end of my earthly days. But I know above all else that Hebrews 13:8 is true, and I have chosen to cling to that truth until I am released to soar into His presence. My prayer is that you too have made that same choice, and that you will encourage others to do so as well.
So many times I have let a difficulty come between myself and God. I try hard every day not to question Him but it can be very hard. Thank you for the reminder.
Kathi, I saw your post for Ava Pennington’s book on the AWSA yahoo group…and also saw your Hab. 2:2 vision scripture…just wanted to share one of my life verses which follows that, from the Living Bible translation…
These things I plan won’t happen right away. Slowly, steadily, surely, the time approaches when the vision will be fulfilled. If it seems slow, do not despair, for these things will surely come to pass. Just be patient! They will not be overdue a single day!–Habakkuk 2:3 TLB
http://bethwillismiller.blogspot.com/2010/02/slowly-steadily-surely-time-approaches.htm